10 Key Points that can help in choosing the best international school

Choosing a school is a big decision, and can easily become overwhelming. Many factors and variables need to be considered when making the decision. Are you worried about your child’s admission? Getting your child into the best school keeping in mind all major factors especially your child’s future is backbreaking indeed. Right from academics to the ambiance and culture, you need to search for every minute detail and choose the best for your child. 

The growing desire to send local children to schools is based on the quality of teaching that these schools provide. You are afraid to send the little one too far from home and thus begin your search from your locality. If you are in a metropolitan city, There would be hundreds of options to choose from, and very confusing to figure it out. You should check its ambiance, facilities, teachers, culture, teaching methodologies, past students, and its name in and around your locality.

Here are a few things you should look for before getting your child into school.

1. Prepare for the Fare: A child’s admission is a tough challenge for parents and looking for the best budget school is even tougher. Before you begin your search, plan a budget for the fees, conveyance, and other expenses for your child’s academic year. Ask yourself if you can afford tuition if you are accepted into a particular school. Remember to factor in the financial aid the school is likely to offer you, and to find and apply for as many scholarships as possible.

2. Location: When searching for schools, ask yourself whether you’d rather be in a rural, suburban, or urban location. How far is the school from where you would live, and does that matter to you?

3. Culture of Schools: When you get the chance to visit the school, ask your guide to describe the school’s culture. They should be able to give you a description of the overall values of the school.
Is it a highly academic school? Does the school have long-practiced traditions? Does the school incorporate the local culture as well as value the home cultures of its clientele? Do the students seem happy? Are they congregating in areas for conversation and study? Do you see teachers walking alongside or conversing with students?.

4. Does the School Value Languages?: Most international schools use English as the primary language of instruction. International schools often require students to learn the local language, Even though most subjects at international schools are taught in English, you should hear other languages being spoken in the hallway. If only the local language of the community is being spoken in the hallways. Students need the opportunity to have access to language classes that allow them to sustain their native tongue. Some schools offer these classes within the school day; others will offer them as after-school or weekend programs. 

5. Size: Size is an important factor in the college-choosing process, and everyone has their preferences. Some people find that they learn better in small classes, with the possibility of one-on-one time with their professors.

6. Does the school Have a library and librarian teacher: A school library is more than just a place to store books. Equally, a librarian’s job is not just to buy and check out books. In today’s world, librarians also need to be educators. They need to be working in classrooms to help students with research skills.

7. Special Athletics/ Extra-Curricular Activities: If you are involved in sports, theatre, dance, art, or any number of other interests, and wish to continue these activities in college, or if you are interested in becoming involved in a new activity, you’ll want to check the availability of these activities on any college campus you might be considering.

8. Safety: Safety is one of the most important factors to consider. Over the past few years, crime has been increasing, even in School. Consider Child Safety as the most priority while looking for schools.

9. What is the reputation of the school?: Do some research on the schools in your city. There are a few websites that provide parents and teachers a place to review schools. 

10. Talk while you walk: Go around your locality, and speak to other parents who have their kids already studying in the schools on your list. Make a note of the positive and negative points you hear from the other parents. Ask them about their child’s performance and behaviour patterns which they learn and follow.