Top Considerations For Choosing Schools

There are so many things to take into consideration when choosing a school for your child, whether you are selecting a primary or secondary school, public or private school or even a boarding school.

Think about what is important to you and your family

Start your search for the best school by thinking about what is essential for you and your family. Some things to get started thinking about are:

• location
• class size
• school size
• programs offered by the school like International Baccalaureate
• emphasis on particular areas like art, language or physical education
• homework and disciplinary policies
• opportunities for those with learning difficulties or advanced studies
• culture and values
• school facilities like library, nurse, gymnasium, swimming pool
• where your child’s friends are going to school

When it comes to the location of the school, you will need to consider a few things. Do you want the option of walking your kids to school or would you prefer to drive them or that they catch public transport? If you choose to drive them, is it more convenient that their school is closer to home or on your way to work?

Once you know what is important to you and family, prioritise them. These will help you narrow down a few options.

Do a school tour

Reviewing a  school’s website and personal recommendations are a great place to start, but a tour of the school will help you get a better idea of what the school has to offer. You can see the teachers in action, seeing how they work and respond to their students. The atmosphere of the school can provide insight into whether the school is a good fit with your values.

Enrol

After narrowing down your choices, it’s time to enrol. There are a few guidelines about when to enrol. They include the age of the child for starting primary school and compulsory education ages. Generally, public schools begin taking enrolments around May the year before your child is due to start. And most private schools begin taking enrolments at least one year before your child is expected to start, some also have waiting lists.

With 51 schools ranging from primary to secondary, public and private to independent or boarding, and religious or non-denominational, you are sure to find a school that suits the needs of your child and your family.