We all want our children to go to the best schools, where they will learn all the correct principles and grow up to be well-rounded individuals. When your child reaches school age, you must choose a crèche, pre-school, nursery, primary or secondary school; all of this is before you reach the University level. When it comes to selecting the right school for your child, there is no ‘one size fits all.’ How do you pick the finest school for your child? Here are some suggestions to help you decide.
Fees
There is a decent school for any budget. The more the costs, the better the school. While the expense of education is one of the most significant charges that parents will face, there is no need to go bankrupt in order to send your child to school. Check to see whether you’re receiving good value for your money. You want to know how much the school charges, what the fees cover, and other details. Is the school offering any scholarships?
Proximity
Is it best to go with the one nearest to your house? Or will having one near the office be more convenient? (For Lagos residents, the terrible traffic will have a significant impact on their school choice.) There is no right or wrong solution here, but consider the child’s comfort and make it simple for a parent or family member to travel to school as necessary.
Academic and Moral Expectations
The school’s standards in academics, morality, and extracurricular activities important, as does how loving the instructors and caretakers are. It is critical to remember that this is their formative period; what is learned now and how the kid is handled will mold him or her later in life. It is critical that you conduct a comprehensive background investigation on each school and learn firsthand what the school has to offer. You can’t rely on recommendations from relatives and friends who have (or don’t have) children in the school. Keep in mind that what works for your buddy, cousin, or neighbor may not work for you.
Discuss how the principal and instructors who will be working with your kid relate to you and their classmates. It is a good idea to schedule a practice day where the youngster spends the entire day in class. Teachers should gently lead and teach the students, answer their inquiries, and build their self-esteem. Look for schools that have instructors that are kind while yet being tough. Find out what extracurricular activities are available at the school.
Student-to-teacher ratio
It is critical to notice the teacher-to-child ratio in the classrooms. If the class contains fewer than 20 children, the outcomes should be better than if the class has up to 40 students. At the pre-k level, a teacher and two helpers for a class of 10 to 15 is a decent rule of thumb. As kids become older, one instructor and one teacher’s aide can suffice.
It is a good idea not to schedule an appointment while visiting the school; this allows you to examine the school without their previous preparation. Appointments might indicate that the school wants to be “ready” for the day’s show-off. Taking them by surprise might be advantageous.
Environment
You should seek for a clean atmosphere. Are the facilities clean and well-kept? Are gutters protected? I heard of a youngster who fell into a dirt-filled open gutter at her school. Is the playground safe, and are the outside toys safe? Are the instructors, aides, and nannies neat and tidy? Is the environment clean and safe for children?
Check the school’s strategy or procedures for medical crises and circumstances as well. Is there a nurse or doctor on-site? Is a functioning sickbay with beds available? Have the instructors, helpers, and caregivers had basic First Aid and CPR training?
Curriculum
Learn about the school’s academic record and what it has to offer in terms of education and extracurricular activities. A good program, whether British, Nigerian, or Montessori, should educate social, intellectual, emotional, and motor abilities, among other things.
Examine their curriculum for specifics; is it a mixed curriculum? Or even a national one? Whatever curriculum is chosen, it must be feasible. Traditional rote learning is less effective than more hands-on learning. Children learning about plants, for example, may be asked to perform some gardening and plant themselves.
Is STEM offered, and how are technology, coding, and other current skills required to survive in the twenty-first century incorporated? You could also inquire about their children’s future plans when they graduate. For example, if it is a pre-school, where do their pupils go primary school? These questions should be asked at all levels.
Discipline
Discipline cannot be overstated, especially in these days when a lack of it is considered normal. Choose a school with a high degree of discipline that is imparted through civil techniques. Ask about their disciplinary practices and clarify anything that makes you uncomfortable or unclear.
Security
Make certain that the school is security mindful. A decent school will be concerned about security. Only parents or caretakers with ID cards should be allowed to pick up their children from school. Make sure you understand their security policy and that it prioritizes the child’s protection. Is there CCTV installed at the school? What level of parental participation is anticipated at the school? Some schools have an active PTA, and parents are expected to be heavily involved. Some schools expect less from parents and only require them a few times a year.
Overall
At the end of the day, balance the information you’ve gathered, visit the schools, examine the academic results of the school, if it’s a primary school, do the children get into top secondary schools, or do the kids in general have strong external exam scores to get into top universities? Ensure the school has a strong reputation and places a high value on security, health, and safety. Analyze the school’s cost in terms of fees, developmental levies, membership fees, and other expenses. Make certain that the school seems good to you.
Take note if the pupils appear bored. Unsanitary facilities, excessive noise levels, preoccupied untidy employees, and large classrooms where children do not receive appropriate attention may be grounds for worry and re-evaluation. Last but not least, it is critical to take your child to school. You will be able to tell if your child is at ease at school and in his or her surroundings. A child’s first school experience has a significant impact on his future and how he perceives education and learning.
