When choosing a school, it’s important to consider that the education your child receives will have a long-lasting impact on their life. Before spring break, many students will hear which schools they have been accepted to and will attend in the next school year. With so many options available to students these days, making a decision can become overwhelming. Understanding the important factors to consider and comparing schools can make the process easier. But what exactly should you focus on when choosing a school?
Here are some factors you should use to decide.
Qualified Teachers and Administration
The administration can make or break a school. A competent admin team will be able to handle the various challenges that come with running a school, a factor that will ensure everything works seamlessly. Indeed, qualified and experienced teachers provide a positive learning environment that benefits students. A good school should offer training programs to help teachers upgrade their knowledge and skills. With either of these factors being weak, the student experience diminishes quickly.
Choosing a School for the Curriculum
When choosing the best school, you should prioritize strong academics. Make sure that the formal curriculum offered by the school is child-centric. The in-class activities must be designed to help students learn and practice both subject skills and life skills. This should go beyond books and notebooks, and cover aspects like students’ learning experiences. In the end, the curriculum should be academically challenging but not overwhelming. A low student-teacher ratio is a good indicator of how individualized a school’s curriculum is. Here at The Tenney School we boast a 2:1 ratio with our one-to-one learning model!
School Culture
Strong school culture can produce dedicated teachers and influence student performance. A healthy culture will encourage teachers to expand their knowledge base, prioritize professional development and connect more with students. This will go a long way in helping to improve student outcomes. Further, to make a smart decision, you may want to choose a school with engaged staff, a nurturing environment, a holistic sense of responsibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
School Values
The importance of school values cannot be underestimated. This set of ethos will not only help students distinguish right from wrong but also shape their mindsets. Beyond the quality of education, you should select a school whose values will promote positive behavior. It is important to check whether the school aligns with your family values. This will ensure consistency and the holistic development of learners. Furthermore, school values have a direct impact on school culture and the student experience!
Transportation Time
The location of the school you choose matters a lot. This is why you need to ensure the school is a practical choice before getting attached to it. Think about the distance between your home and the school, how accessible the learning institution is, and whether the school provides transportation. Shorter commute times will ensure learners get to school on time and are mentally and physically fresh for classes.
Helpful Extracurricular Activities
Co-curricular activities will have a huge impact on the lives of learners. Taking part in sports, music, club activities and after-school programs will provide an opportunity to build teamwork skills, bond with other students and explore various interests. These activities can also enhance the personality and moral values of the students. You need to understand the extracurricular activities offered in a school to determine whether they contribute to a better learning process.
Safety and Security
Learners spend a considerable amount of time in school. Regardless of your child’s age, you should consider safety and security when choosing the best school for them. A safe and secure environment will provide students with the open space they need to explore, learn and grow. The learners will carry with them the lessons learned for the rest of their lives.
Learn More About Choosing a School
Before making a decision, you should visit the school to meet the adults and gather more information. At The Tenney School, we have a one-to-one approach that ensures customized instruction and individual attention to students. This allows us to cater to the needs of different types of students and help maximize their academic potential. Contact us today to learn more about our school.