Learn how to choose the best school for your child with these valuable tips and insights. Make an informed decision that will set your child up for success.What you need to pay close attention to when choosing a school, so as not to be disappointed later, Ekaterina Markelova, co-founder of the Discovery network of bilingual kindergartens and primary schools, told us. “As the owner of an educational business and a mother of many children, I have been through many schools – both as a parent and as an expert. And if everything is more or less clear with the location and budget, then the most interesting part begins,” says entrepreneur Ekaterina Markelova. The expert identified three key points that you should focus on when choosing a school.
Educational concept
- Academic focus. If advanced programs (mathematics, English, Olympiad preparation) are important to you, make sure that the school actually provides a high level, and does not just declare it.
- Load balance. Figure out how the program matches the child’s abilities and interests. Overload is just as harmful as underload.
Environment and selectivity
- Entrance diagnostics. A good school knows what kind of children it takes and creates an environment where everyone can develop comfortably.
- Academic and social environment. The environment affects motivation, performance, and even socialization. If everyone around you is eager to learn, your child is more likely to follow suit.
Team and Values
- Professionalism of teachers. It is necessary to make sure that teachers have not only diplomas, but also real skills in working with children.
- Openness and involvement. Administration and teachers should be partners, not “overseers.”
- Atmosphere . When a child’s personality is respected, supported and inspired at school, it is felt immediately.
“School is a place where a child spends a significant part of his life, and it is important that it helps him grow – both in knowledge and in character,” concluded Ekaterina Markelova.