Before we delve into the criteria of what makes for a good primary school, let us first understand why it is important to weigh our options. As we pack off our little kindergartners and 1st graders to formal schools, we are exposing them to newer horizons, newer world views and newer ways of looking at things. Therefore, it becomes very important that we expose them to the right kind of learning environment, resources, facilitators and curriculum, among a host of other things.
Before we delve into the criteria of what makes for a good primary school, let us first understand why it is important to weigh our options. As we pack off our little kindergartners and 1st graders to formal schools, we are exposing them to newer horizons, newer world views and newer ways of looking at things. Therefore, it becomes very important that we expose them to the right kind of learning environment, resources, facilitators and curriculum, among a host of other things.
Very often, we choose a primary school for our children based on the fact that we ourselves attended the same school or someone we know is sending their child there. Sometimes our consideration just stems from the fact that the school is closer or simply more convenient to drop off and pick up from. Some of us are driven by our purse strings and what we perceive as value for money. While all of these are very relevant factors, here’s a list of things that you should consider before choosing a primary school for your child.
1. Weighing your options: Types of schools available
When you think of education for your child, you’re not looking at a couple of years but a little over a decade in a school that is almost like the child’s second home. It is vital that you understand the different types of schools that are available as options for your child rather than choosing a school because you went to it yourself or your friend send their child to a particular school.
So, what are the different types of schools available today? Let’s take a look at some of them.
Religious Schools are schools that impart education and learnings to students with some amount of religious leanings or exposure to faith or traditions associated with a particular religion. Some parents prefer that their child attend a school with a particular religious approach. Such parents may opt for religious schools.
Convent schools are typically catholic school, run by nuns and are known for their English fluency, their strict discipline for students on campus, celebrating and commemorating all catholic festivals and days of importance. They stress on academic achievement and excellence as well.
Military schools in India are schools with a very strict approach to discipline and they also look to teach some aspects of military life to their students. This is not to say that their focus is not on academics. But they have equal importance for sports and extra-curricular activities as well.
Sports schools are institutions that pay a lot of importance to sports and games and usually invest heavily in infrastructure to support and enable both outdoor and indoor sports. They invite special guests and athletes to coach their students to become good sportspeople.
Alternative schools are schools that offer a difference either in their approach or their curriculum or teaching methodology. If you are looking for a school with particular unique features, you may want to explore such schools.
Exam oriented schools are institutions with a lot of emphasis of academic excellence and scoring of high marks. Their approach may not always involve in-depth learning. It may be focused on rote learning and repetitive learning practices.
The rigorousness of a curriculum is also dependent on the education board the school is affiliated to. Among the most sought-after boards are the IGCSE, CBSE, ICSE, IB and State Board.
Before finalising on a school for your child, it would help greatly to first know and be aware of all the different options that you can consider. Then you’re in a better position to make a well-informed decision. Once you have finalised what kind of school best suits your child, you must then consider the school’s curriculum and general approach to learning.
