Your child is unique and there is no one in the whole world quite like her or him! So how do you go about selecting the right school for your child? It's a very important decision and one that merits a lot of investigation before deciding. No one cares more about your child's welfare than you do. No one else will be more concerned to see that your child is well educated and well treated in school. You know your child's personality, strengths and weaknesses. Look for schools that cater to your budget as schooling is a long term financial commitment on your part. If you are looking for a school that will provide curricular and extracurricular activities then the cost might be higher than those schools that provide only basic education. Be aware of admission and interview dates. Keep all necessary documents such as birth records and address proof as well as your details as parents ready. Apply to the schools well in advance. You know the values that you and your family want and look for a school that will reflect the same. Discuss with family members who will be involved in his education. If grandparents are going to drop and pick up your child, attend PTMs as well as be involved in the daily homework and preparation, it is only fair to involve them in the selection process of a school.

Write Down Things That Are Most Important to Your child: As you go through the selection process, you may want to add to and revise your list. Start your search for the most appropriate school by thinking about what you want a school to do for your child.

Consider your child's needs

Does your child need a more structured environment?

Does your child need a less structured environment?

Does your child need more challenging work?

Does your child need more individual attention?

Does your child generally need extra help or more time to complete an assignment?

Does your child have any special learning / behavioral needs?

Does your child need an environment that fosters creativity?

Does your child need a support program?

Your Child's Learning Style

Does your child learn best by seeing how things work?

Does your child learn best by reading about how something works?

Does your child learn best by listening?

Does your child like to participate in discussions?

Does your child like to learn through physical activity?

Is your child logical or mathematical?

Is your child musical or artistic?

Does your child like to learn in groups?

Does your child like to work alone?

Location of School

Do you want your child to go to a school within walking distance of your home?

Can your child's talents be nurtured outside your neighborhood?

How far are you willing to have your child commute?

How far are you willing to drive your child to school?

Does your child want to be in a school with his or her friends?

Do you want your child to go to a school near your after-school care? Near where you work? Near a close relative?

Does your child have any special transportation needs that must be considered in choosing a school?

Gather information about various schools

Along with the schools' curriculum and philosophy, you will want to know about school policies and services. Some schools have after-school activities. Parents may also wish to consider the after-school programs a school offers, for example, sports, clubs, tutoring, or academic enrichment. Consider the curriculum; consider the approach to learning. Visit schools so you can have a first hand impression of the school. If possible talk to the staff and support staff, van driver, security personnel so that you know the kind of people your child will have to interact on a daily basis. Are they approachable, kind and polite? Are the premises clean and child - friendly? Are the toilets in good condition? What are the facilities in the school? What do parents of children already enrolled in the school have to say about the school? Source the internet for any comments about the school. Does the school put safety first for students? Are there any hidden costs or charges apart from what is in the school handbook?

To conclude

Your child will benefit tremendously from your active concern and involvement with his or her education. Once the admission process is complete, continue to be involved in your child's education, encouraging your child to work hard, and providing additional opportunities to holistic education.

Remember it is your right, as well as your responsibility, to seek the most apt educational environment for your son or daughter. Good luck! -

- Dr. Sulata Shenoy