What To Consider When Picking A School For Your Child(Part 1)
ARTICLE by Kunlek
●I have a question for parents out there – what do you take into consideration when you launch out to look for a school for your children? Some of us want a school that has produced high flyers, some want a school that will equip our children to compete globally while some emphasize discipline. On the other hand, some of us believe that a high fee paying school with good ambience & aesthetics will also provide the essential elements for a good education. Another group however just wants a healthy mix of all of the above.
It is also not news that a lot of us shy away from the federal and state schools that most of us passed through. I have done a lot of research and came up with a list of screening criteria below for those seeking to place their children in a credible school and at the same time have rest of mind while doing it.
What I consider to be the more important criteria are listed below:
- School Fees
- Student to Teacher Ratio (Classroom)
- Religious Orientation
- Sports Orientation/Teaching/Facilities
- Preference for Day or Boarding
- Student to Room Ratio
- Level of Emphasis on Morals/Discipline
- Musical Orientation/Teaching/Facilities
- Other Extra-Curricular activities to build up a child (outside sports & music)
- Curriculum (Nigerian, British, American or Singaporean)
- How long have they been in existence for?
- Past records of top exams like WAEC, NECO from the school
- Location
Other criteria some of us also consider are:
- Name of the school
- What exams do the children write (local and international)
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School Management: Are they accessible and responsive on issues generally? How well do they collaborate and communicate with parents? How fair and responsive are they when dealing with conflicts/problems in the school?
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What is the level of IT integration into school work?
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Level of qualification of the teachers and spoken English
I’ll appreciate feedback on the factors stated above. I also hope I did not leave out any other criteria exclusive to you, if I have kindly help a brother out.