Choosing where your child will study can be a very difficult and even a little distressing task. The institution to be chosen, in addition to guiding children and adolescents through their formal education journey, from literacy to professional choices, is a fundamental space for their human formation.
School is the place where your child will spend time outside, make friends, and create memories. Furthermore, the school phase also changes the routine of the entire family. Therefore, it is also important to take some practical aspects into consideration, which fit into the parents’ routine.
In summary: there are many factors to be analyzed. But, so that parents feel safe and have a clear conscience that they are making the best choice, we highlight 10 crucial factors to consider when choosing the school for your child.
1- Security
Leaving your child at school and feeling that they will be well looked after and that they are in a safe environment is one of the key factors, especially for younger children, who are more at risk of having accidents in spaces with corners, unevenness and heights, for example. It is important to know what the school’s procedures are in cases of accidents, use of medication, outbreak of a contagious disease among students, etc. Furthermore, does the school have security systems, such as cameras, access turnstiles? Do you have a health team and an emergency brigade? Do you have indoor and outdoor parking?All of this can make a difference so you feel more comfortable, knowing that your child is safe.
2- Location
The location of the school is extremely important, as the task of taking children to and from school interferes a lot with the parents’ routine.Being close to home, work or someone who can be called in the event of an emergency is ideal.
3- Convenience: plurality and practicality
For those who have more than one child, choosing a school that covers all segments, from Early Childhood Education to High School, can be decisive. Offering extracurricular activities is also an important factor, as it is both a practical factor for parents and an enrichment factor in the student’s routine.What types of sports and arts are offered? Is there an extended period? Does the school offer language classes? Do you offer Bilingual Education?
4- Physical structure
The physical structure is a very important aspect in this choice process, as the environment and available resources influence both the child’s education and the practice of physical and social activities. Some initial questions consist of checking, for example, whether the school building is in good condition, how big the classrooms are or whether the desks are comfortable.Does the school have leisure areas, such as gardens, playground and sports courts? Does it have a library, laboratories, auditoriums, theater? What is the restaurant like? What type of food is offered? Does the school value accessibility?All of these are important aspects that encourage, facilitate and stimulate learning, sociability and creativity.
5- Pedagogical Project
Firstly, it is essential that parents or guardians are clear about the teaching methodologies used by the institution, forms of assessment, required curriculum and workload. This information reflects the school’s main objectives in training its students.
The most significant thing, however, is to understand that there is no ideal pedagogical project for all students and, therefore, a project that provides comprehensive training and takes into account each student’s journey is essential. Each student learns in a different way and that is why the project must be designed with a focus on their learning, with active methodologies that explore the content, putting them in a leading role.
In this sense, the activities and services offered within this training are factors that count, such as bilingual education, sports and artistic practice, school events, cultural, multidisciplinary and field activities.
6- Values of the Institution
The school plays a crucial role in the training and development of its students. Therefore, in addition to offering quality education, it is important that the educational institution has solid values, such as valuing inclusion and respect for diversity, forming citizens who dialogue well with others and recognize themselves as human beings in a constant process of evolution. .
An integrated education in a new school is necessary, which leads this and future generations to local citizenship and global thinking, forming strong and happy children and young people, prepared to transform their lives and the world.
7- Qualified Faculty
A school that teaches is a school that studies. Since we are human beings and professionals, we are constantly evolving. Teachers, in addition to being qualified, need to be constantly improving their learning.
Investing in continued education and constant training through courses and training is essential.
8- Proven results
Knowing some of the school’s results can bring more security when choosing, as a way of checking whether the school offers quality education. This can be observed through a visit to the institution, to check if there are spaces for the exhibition of student work, for example.Holding events for the family, encouraging student protagonism and explaining the activities being carried out can be a great way to monitor your child’s development.Furthermore, talking to former students and seeing the entrance exam pass rate are also good ways to get references.
9- Innovation and Technology
Technological development is a keynote of our times and our lives have never been so connected. To keep up with changes, a school that uses digital culture and innovation in the service of knowledge production and student well-being is essential.
It is also important to promote student literacy with new technologies and forms of language, such as audiovisual education.
10- Reception
Welcoming is the physical and emotional safety of the student, the guarantee that they will be well treated and well received on a daily basis by staff, teachers and colleagues. It is essential for a school to welcome students as they are, stimulating the desires, talents and vocations of each one and for the school to provide constant dialogue with parents.
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Incomparable structure, in line with the Pedagogical Project that brings the 7 Curricular Dimensions of Digital Culture, Scientific Thinking, Socio-emotional Intelligence, Interculturality, Multiliteracy, Authorship and Sustainability. Perfect for educating.
