Choosing a school

We all know and acknowledge that starting school for a child is a big milestone.

Big decisions have to be made even before a child steps into a school such as which school they will attend.

Deciding on a school, the right school for your child, is a big step for a parent.

You want your child to be happy knowing that you want to feel comfortable that you have made the right decision in choosing your child’s first school.

You may not have the option of choosing a school. This choice may be limited depending on where you live. You may find that the school options are based upon your school zone for your area.

If you have a choice then it is best to be armed with the right questions and considerations to feel comfortable you are making the right school choice.

• Curriculum: Being aware of each individual schools curriculum and alert to how they present the curriculum may help to sway your decision. Each school has the autonomy to deliver it the best way that fits in with their school philosophy.
• Facilities: What the school has to offer may be important and something worth bearing in mind.
• Population: The number of children on the whole that attend the school may put some parents of, while others may prefer to have a larger population of school.
• Government vs. Private: Establishing whether you would prefer your child to go to a government school or private is something to consider.
• Location: Are you willing, or able, to drive your child a distance to school or is the school they are enrolled at in a suitable location? Is there transport options such as a bus if driving is not possible or if you prefer them to travel by bus.
• Child’s friends: This is not imperative that they go to the same school as their friends but it is something worth considering.
• Schools philosophy: Does the school have a philosophy that is in line with your style or expectations of a school? There is no use in choosing a school that does not follow along with your philosophy.
• Class size: It is important to ask this question as it will impact on their first year of schooling. If at all possible the smaller class size the better.
• Bullying policy: While it is regrettable to have to ask it is essential to be aware of their bullying policy for the unfortunate event of ever having to enforce it within the school. It also is able to give you piece of mind if it is a good bullying policy. Also check what their rate of bullying is at the school. That will confirm if the policy and their attention to it is working.
• Enrollment procedure: Especially if you are enrolling your eldest child for the first time it is key to know the schools individual enrollment procedure and the school’s follow through, such as how is the orientation done, do they provide further information in anticipation for school, etc.