Change is a life’s part. Everyone has to go through changes. If the school does not provide a progressive environment for the child, switching schools is a better option. Adapting to a new environment can be tough for kids but within some time, everything becomes normal. Reasons for which people change schools are:
- The current school is not providing facilities for higher education.
- Facing behavioural issues like bullying.
- Academically not suitable
Points to consider before switching schools:
1. The quality of academics –
If the school does not fit your child’s academic growth or if the education standard of the current school does not fit your child’s expectations. Don’t just go with the brand name of a school, analyse if the school provides good infrastructure, campus, and great educational experience to fulfill their academic goals.
2. Facilities at the school –
A school is going to be the second home for your child and it should feel the same. For getting insights about the school, book a campus tour where you can have a look at the infrastructure, security, facilities, hygiene, and faculty. Communicating with teachers and staff members will let you know about the school’s practices and culture. Also talk to alumni and students who are studying there.
3. Co-curricular Activities –
In this competitive world, gaining bookish knowledge is not enough. To prepare students for this practical world, a school should provide a platform for students to learn new activities such as sports, arts, communication, and leadership skills which build their personality and intellect. It also encourages a student to build a career in their field of interest and look for opportunities outside the classroom.
4. Location –
No one wants their child to spend most of their crucial time travelling from home to school and vice versa. This is not only a waste of time but also drains the energy of students and makes them feel tired and exhausted. This affects their academic performance and participation in other activities. Also, the school should be in a location where students can enjoy field trips, hiking, skiing, camping, picnics, and other activities.
5. Student-to-teacher ratio –
Student to teacher ratio is an important factor to consider as the wrong ratio can make your child feel lost in the crowd and miss opportunities to develop as an individual. This ratio imitates a teacher’s workload and encourages them to provide care, attention, and service to students. The ideal ratio for primary classes should be 30:1 and for secondary classes should be 35:1.
6. Safety –
As the child spends substantial hours of the day in the school, it is essential to consider the safety and security measures within the campus. A safe environment helps students to learn and explore without fear and restrictions. A safe institution is a priority for most parents. A school that has security measures to face an emergency, a CCTV surveillance system, and GPS-enabled transport becomes the first choice for parents.
7. Community –
Placing your child in a school where students from diverse cultures and backgrounds study together can be incredibly valuable. The students will be exposed to different lifestyles, traditions, and languages which will broaden their perspective and transform them into active-minded and responsible citizens. The idea of community is determined by the levels of interaction between staff and parey. The school should offer relationship-building opportunities for parents to interact with each other and see their children grow and evolve.
8. Policies and ethos –
Policies are the set of rules adopted for the ease of governance within the institution. The policies form a linking pin between school management and parents. An organisation without policies is an organisation without controls as staff at any level will have no guidance on how to make the right decision consistently. It is important to check if the school follows an anti-bullying policy.
9. Cost –
The factor of price cannot be ignored. Parents must check the latest fee structure and examine closely the details of the cost. Schools also offer scholarships and discounts which one must consider. Choose a school that provides the necessary facilities and fits your budget perfectly.
10. Your child’s wish –
It is important to ask about your child’s thoughts and wishes as school is an important place for a child. Ask about his/her opinion on their current school and whether are they ready to change school. Also, discuss his/her needs and expectations regarding the new school and the environment they want to be in.
The decision of whether your child should change schools is significant. It’s crucial to consider factors such as the quality of teaching, school facilities, safety measures, the school community, and your child’s preferences. Parents should assess whether the school’s values, rules, and overall environment align with their child’s needs. Thoughtful school transitions can establish a solid foundation for a joyful and successful learning journey, benefiting both academic progress and personal growth. Prioritizing the child’s happiness and aspirations is essential for fostering an excellent learning environment.