One of the most crucial decisions that parents make on behalf of their children is the choice of school or schools that they go to. The school has a great impact on the academic, social and mental development of a child.
The primary school, being the foundation of a child’s education, happens to be one of the most vital of such decisions. Like we know that if the foundation is weak or faulty, the building will have a problem that will hamper the quality of what is put on it.
Trust is a key factor here. Can I trust this school with my precious child? Some factors to consider are stated below:
- Values, culture and personal aspirations
- Academic standard
- Environment and facilities
- Safety and security
- Extracurricular activities
- Home-School Communication
- Staff turnover rate
- History and reputation
1. Values, culture and personal aspirations
Your values should be a determining factor in choosing a primary school for your child. The values of the school should align with principles that guide your actions and thoughts such as honesty, hard work, respect, excellence, faith, discipline, etc.
2. Academic standard
The quality of education in a school is largely influenced by the type of curriculum the school offers. The kind of exposure you desire for your child is another factor to consider.
3. Environment and facilities
- The physical size and condition of the classroom, the number of pupils per class, how digitalized the classroom is, etc.
- Playgrounds and outdoor spaces that encourage physical activity.
- Laboratories, IT facilities, entrepreneurship work stations, libraries, music room, etc.
4. Safety and security
- How secured is the school – physical, emotional?
- What policies are there to protect the children?
- What is the school’s policy on discipline?
5. Extracurricular activities help to maximize the innate abilities of children. Clubs like cookery, tailoring, music, dance, speaking and presentation, etc. cater for different interests.
6. Home-School Communication
- What are the channels of communication?
- Educating children is a joint venture. This partnership is enhanced through constant and positive communication between the school and the home.
7. Teacher qualification, experience and staff turnover rate
Well trained personnel are better able to provide high quality education.
Children thrive in very stable conditions. High employee turn over rate speaks volumes about the state of the school.
8. School history and reputation
The past records and present status of the school should also be considered.
THANK YOU
TSOLA OLADOSU
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.