kutamaya

The question faced by parents every year is how to choose a new school or consider a school change for their children, a crucial decision that could determine the future of the kids.

But the answer to this question is not easy to come by, putting parents, mainly mothers burdened with the task of finding schools for the children, under stress. Some have been influenced by the trap of schools that aggressively promote their institutions.

Indeed, the ads and leaflets produced by the schools are important to read as a starting point to learn about the schools. But parents should not rely solely on ads when making a choice, as they need more detailed information before making a decision.

In some countries social organizations and governments have made concerted efforts to help parents deciding where to send their children to school. Indeed, today parents, especially those who have access to the Internet, can get information from the Internet for free, in addition to information they pick up from neighbors, friends or groups of students' parents.

Most information available in books or on the Internet is general in nature, but is very useful in making an informed choice. What parents should do is:

Know the options available -- public or private schools. Public schools are by nature secular, while some private schools are run by religious organizations.

In principle, education at public schools, up to junior high school, in line with the government's nine-year compulsory education program, is free. But supplies and uniforms must be purchased, and there may also be special activity fees. Yet with the schools funded by the government, public education is the least expensive option.

But if your choice is a private school, which is the preferred choice for many wealthy parents today, you have to choose from an array of different options -- secular or religious-run schools, boarding or non-boarding schools, subdistrict, district or provincial school, or one outside these areas.

Each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages.

But whatever your pick, the following information is useful for making a choice:

First, consider your child and your family. Does your child need a more challenging environment or more individual attention? Does he need extra help or not? Do you want your child to study at a school within walking distance of your home or outside your neighborhood? Will you have your child bused or will you drive him or her to school?

Second, gather as much information as possible about schools, like their curricula, approach to learning, academic performance.

Third, visit and observe the schools you are interested in, talk to students' parents, teachers and administrators.

Fourth, apply to the school(s) you select. Consider applying to more than one school in case your child is not admitted to your first choice, as competition for places at both public and private schools can be very tough.

Fifth, consider your financial situation, even if your choice is a public school. Today's favorite state schools are not much different from private schools, charging various fees that only students from financially-able families can afford.

Last but not least, do not be afraid of being called picky by others. Choosing a school for your child is an important decision, and you have to do everything you can to give your child every advantage possible. [kutamaya]