As the new academic year approaches, you have 8 questions to ask yourself before looking for a school to enroll your child in; it might be your child’s first year or you want to enroll him in another school better than the one he is in. It can be quite confusing and difficult to make your mind up on the best school. When looking for a school, you would be considering the following: Is It near home or work? How many school hours in a day? Is it clean and big enough?
Here’s a simple guide of schools’ types and systems:
State schools
State schools are available for all their fees are considerably low. However, a state school has too many disadvantages such as the huge numbers of students being in one classroom which would affect your child’s ability to learn. Furthermore, such huge numbers of students being in one classroom violate health conditions.
“Tagribi” schools
These schools are also considered state schools but with higher fees, still less than private schools fees. Science and Maths are taught in English and English language is taught to students starting from their first year. In addition, French and German are also taught to student in an earlier stage compared to state schools. Though, these schools usually accept children’s admissions in an older age than state schools and students’ number are also huge.
Private schools “Arabic”
Private schools have higher fees than the previous mentioned schools; Arabic is the main language but English is taught in some curriculums which are different from state schools.
Languages private schools
These schools’ subjects are taught in English and students study French as a second language; their fees vary according to the schools’ facilities and reputation. The curriculums are similar to “Tagribi” schools except that they are taught in English.
Semi International schools
These schools’ system is similar to the private school system with a more focus on teaching English. Semi international schools are more concerned with the right teaching methods, art and sport activities. In regard to fees, semi international schools have fees higher than languages schools.
International schools
British and American curriculums are taught in such schools; they have few numbers of students in a classroom with perfect facilities, activities and modern teaching methods, including curriculums that actually help students enter the job market when they graduate. Unfortunately, the fees of such schools are considerably high and the quality of education varies from a school to another, so not all international school necessarily present high quality education. It is important to mention that international schools are certified only in the secondary stage.
There are other types of schools such as Al-Azhar and Sisters schools.
How to choose a school out of those?
There are some things to take into consideration when choosing a school:
Choose a school near your home so your child does not have to spend all the day in a school bus.
Choose a school you can afford and don’t go through a harsh budget plan to enroll your child in the school you dream of. Select a school with a suitable social class because your child will make friends from this school and you might have to deal with his/ her friends’ parents.
Choose a school with a language that you can comprehend as your child will need your help at some point. So, do not choose a school with French as the first language unless you take French courses.
Do not be deceived by how the school has vast playgrounds or classrooms, it is also important to put into consideration the education quality of the school and teachers.
In conclusion, you should think carefully before enrolling your child in a school that fits your social and financial status.
Make sure you consider these 10 factors when choosing the school best poised to provide the most effective education for your child.
1- The first thing to consider is what your child’s tendencies and abilities. Choose a school that fits his/her needs. For instance, some children are active more than other so they will be best enrolled in schools that offer a wide range of physical activities.
2- Your child’s ability to socialize with others is important to consider when selecting a school. If your child is used to crowds and encountering many people then a school with large numbers of students will be a good choice. On the other hand, a school with few students will be perfect for a child who is brought up in a limited social environment.
3- It is significant to choose a school that does not contradict with your principles or your child will get confused.
4- School information is important to check; you can find them online or through asking parents who enrolled their children in the same school.
5- Take into consideration the school’s location and how near it is to your home.
6- Calling the school before visiting it is important to figure out if they are helpful because usually good schools’ administrations are helpful with parents who call them.
7- Visit some schools before enrolling your child in a specific school; it will help you choose the best school and make sure of the choice you have made.
8- When visiting a school, try to look at the paintings on the walls. If they are painted by students and not teachers then you should know that this school cares about its students’ talents.
9- Meet teachers and the school principle to ask them about the school’s education methods and the curriculums. You should also enquire about the homework amount, activities and how the school deals with health and psychological problems that children might suffer from.
10- Finally, you should check the schools’ facilities and classrooms to make sure that they comply with safety and prevention requirements.
