November 26, 2018

4 Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing The Perfect School

One of the biggest problems every parent faces is getting their kids into the right school. As, there are many applicants and the number of seats are limited, the children and parents have to go through the rigmarole of filling application forms, interviews and stress. The thinking now-a-days is that if your kids get into an A-list school, they can make a better future.

There are many things to consider when you’re choosing a school for your kids; here are the most important things you should keep in mind.

Choice of Curriculum

Parents are no longer limited to just schools of the state board or the CBSE now days. From ICSE to The International Baccalaureate (IB)/International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curricula, there are so many options. That is why you need to be very clear on the choice you’re making. If you’re planning to send your kids abroad for further education, it is advisable that you opt for an international board.

Schools’ Credentials

There are a number of “international” schools mushrooming in all corners of every city. It is a lucrative business, given the high fee structures of such schools. It’s a fad amongst people to say that they are sending their child to some “high-end” school, regardless of the education. But that is not enough. You need to do some homework and make sure that the school provides proper education and co-curricular activities for an overall growth and development of the child.

Student-Centric Approach

Today, many schools recognize that all children are not equally prepared for schooling, especially in the initial years of education. Students may show some learning disorders such as dyslexia, or have stronger visual memory, etc. Ensure that the schools have learning center’s to give extra coaching to such children.

It is also important for a school to have a healthy teacher-to-child ratio, especially in the lower classes. Opt for a school that has frequent teacher-parent meetings and helps you understand the evolving interests of your child.

Financial Commitment

The minimum outgo for an ICSE school is Rs 50,000 for lower classes. For IGSCE, it goes up to over a lakh. This is not just a one-time commitment, it is rather a recurring expense and it keeps rising year after year.

Ideally, a parent should start investing for the child’s education as early as the child’s conception. A parent should start investing for the child’s education till the child becomes financially independent. Given the uncertain economic times, parents should always have 2-3 years’ school fees ready.

There are a number of child plans and money-back plans available in the market, which typically address this need for covering child’s expenses. Typically a parent gets emotionally drawn in to buy such expensive policies. But experts say that mutual funds are the best low-cost investment option.

We get it that choosing the perfect school is a difficult task but not an impossible one! Make a plan and list down your requirements. Identify, study and shortlist the schools that match them. Interact with the parents who send their children to these schools. Make an informed decision and be financially prepared to help both you and your children enjoy their growing years.