Do you choose a school? Or these days, does a school choose you? Whatever be the case, it always helps to be prepared, given how competitive it has become, to get your child admitted into formal school in Indian Metros these days, especially places like Delhi and Mumbai.
So what exactly do you look for in a school? What all factors should you consider when contemplating where to get your little one admitted? These days, every school boasts of the best infrastructure, teaching methodology, activities, facilities etc. How does one decide what is best for their child, how does one search for the diamond within the coal?
Each parent has his/her own attitude and beliefs towards education, and thus different things matter to different people. Some want a school that follows rigorous academic schedules; some want more emphasis on extracurricular activities. Some want international exposure, some want to make their wards more responsible citizens. Some look for fancy infrastructure while some want to go the alternate education path.
Whatever be your preferences or sensibilities, here is a rundown on some factors to consider when making the choice of school for your child, that may help you differentiate and finalize options to make your arduous task of application and admission easier.
- Practical factors: location, distance from home, admission process online or offline, onetime fees, monthly fees, transport facility available or not, timings, student-teacher ratio, students per class, general reputation/brand, feedback from parents with children studying there, religious/political affiliation, student diversity, student safety and security measures
- Infrastructure: maths/language/science/computer laboratories, library facilities, auditorium, extracurricular and sports facilities, smart classrooms, audio-visual teaching aids, playground
- Academics: inclusion of technology, teaching methodology, teaching beyond classrooms, curriculum/board, availability of scholarships, citizenship/community programs, career and personal counselling, homework and exam policy, assessment policy, personal grooming
- Extras: foreign languages, trips and excursions in India and abroad, international exposure/exchange programs, student clubs and committees, events/functions, inter-school competitions
These are the factors that I am considering while making my choice this year for my daughter. I hope this comprehensive list made after lots of research, is helpful for readers, even though it may not be completely exhaustive. Wishing everyone good luck with the crazy admission process. May all our children get into good schools, which hone their skills and groom them into kind and responsible citizens of the future!
