Choosing a Primary School for Your Child

Parents who have lived in a neighborhood for quite some time are, in all likelihood familiar with all the surrounding educational institutions and their reputations, but for those parents who are new to an area, it may be a daunting task to pick a primary school that is right for their child.

Faced with a tremendous diversity of choices in the governmental and private sectors, locating the closest school near their new homestead may not always be the best solution to the problem. There is an entire array of other issues parents should consider when it comes to their child’s education, other than the convenience of a nearby location.

First, parents should evaluate their child’s weaknesses, strengths, abilities and interests. For example, if the child is very active and loves sports, your primary school of choice should have an extensive sports program with the broadest possible range of sporting activities. Additionally, parents of young children usually know if their child enjoys the company of many classmates or prefers smaller group settings.

Second, find as much information as possible about potential surrounding school districts and the activities in those neighborhoods. If there is too much crime and violence reported, it may be best to pick a primary school in a different location, even if it means getting up fifteen minutes earlier because the commute takes longer.

Third, parents should find out as much as they can about the school’s reputation and academic ranking. Not every educational institute delivers what they preach and, on top of that, may represent values, cultural associations or religious beliefs some parents simply cannot accept. Equally important is the amount of discipline, as well as the security measures enforced for the child’s safety, when it is in the school’s care.

Fourth, those parents who want to be involved in the day-to-day activities of their child, who like to volunteer in the classroom or during fieldtrips, and prefer to be frequently informed about their youngster’s educational progress, should verify with potential schools if that possibility exists. Not all schools are open to parental involvement when classes are in session.

Fifth, how much will it cost to be enrolled in a specific primary school? Taking into account uniforms or other dress codes, extracurricular activities, transportation, school and art supplies, meals and drinks, and whatever else may be required throughout the entire school year may add up. Some primary schools will provide the goods for a fee, while others will ask the parents to buy the supplies themselves, giving them a chance to shop around for the best deals.

Sixth, most schools have a website, which parents should study in great detail. Take virtual tours, read about the teachers and how accredited they are. Is there a guidance counselor, is the school equipped for special-needs children and how diverse are the students? Visiting the school’s Open House Days, talking to neighbors and friends, and getting as many referrals as possible are all actions that can prevent a lot of heartache, because every child pulled out of a school in the middle of a year suffers a tremendous set-back adjusting to new classmates and a strange school environment.

The process of finding the perfect primary school for a beloved son or daughter can be exhausting, but definitely worth it in the end. Seeing a child flourishing and growing into a happy teenager is absolutely rewarding and will make both the child and the parents extremely proud.

By School Select