11 ESSENTIAL TIPS for Choosing the RIGHT SCHOOL for Your Child
The moment for change has arrived. You feel that the school your child currently attends is not suitable. You want a different school, a different system, a different approach, a different country. Something else.
You want a new experience for your child that will help them flourish, grow harmoniously, and equip them with everything they need for their future adult life. I know your mind is about 96.5% occupied with thoughts about this change. Finding the right school for your child isn’t easy—and that’s normal. But it’s essential to start exploring options as early as possible.
Here’s a short guide for more clarity.
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD
This is undoubtedly the first step. Before looking for the qualities and drawbacks of a school, clarify your child’s needs, concerns, and expectations. Consider what type of student they are and what kind of environment would suit them best.
A balanced relationship between the school’s atmosphere, resources, calibre, and your child’s psychological profile, interests, and academic level is absolutely necessary.
This is where the true journey of your child begins.
💡 Tips: Ensure that you and your child are on the same page and that they want this change as much as you do. The story is common, but your child remains the main character.
2. LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
Whether it’s their native language or a second language, fluency in the language of instruction is essential. Your child should be able to read without difficulty, carry on conversations on various topics, think, and dream in that language.
Depending on your child’s age, a minimum level of proficiency may be required, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C2.
3. DESTINATION COUNTRY
You might think that the language of instruction goes hand-in-hand with the destination country—but that’s not necessarily the case. For example, English-medium schools can be found anywhere in the world, just as French, German, or Spanish schools exist globally.
What’s important is your child’s affinity for a particular culture, shaped by travel experiences, music preferences, interactions with people from that country, books they’ve read, films they’ve watched, and more.
4. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
German system, International Baccalaureate, British system, Swiss system, Canadian system, American system… the list goes on.
Your choice should consider the full package: your child’s psychological profile, interests and abilities, desired university specialisation, and language of study.
💡 Tips: Every educational system has pros and cons, but the chosen system should fit your child. Educational systems were designed with certain types of students in mind, in relation to labour market requirements at specific historical periods. They are constantly evolving, undergoing reforms, and adapting to current needs. See detailed descriptions of the most popular educational systems here.
A good educational consultant can be invaluable. Join us, and we will guide you step by step. Contact us.
5. SCHOOL FACILITIES, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Common resources in private and independent schools abroad include: modern science labs, impressive art departments, theatres and concert halls, darkrooms, multimedia labs, libraries, swimming pools, sports fields (tennis, hockey, cricket, athletics, basketball, etc.), IT centers, music rehearsal rooms, and more.
Extracurricular activities are diverse: photography, astronomy, chess, creative writing, leadership, arts, orchestras, bands. Programs like CCF, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model United Nations, and Global Society are widespread.
SCHOOL TYPE SUITED FOR YOUR CHILD
There are no perfect schools, but there is at least one school that fits your child. The one you choose together will be perfect for them.
School typologies vary by selectivity, structure, and educational style:
Selectivity:
- Highly selective schools
- Selective schools
Non-selective schools
Gender structure:
- Co-ed schools
- Single-gender schools (boys or girls)
“Diamond” schools (UK only)
Style and educational approach:
- Boarding schools
College-style schools
Visit this page for more detailed information.
7. MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
Multiculturalism is wonderful; it is a celebration of humanity and a nurturing environment for the development of every child in all aspects. But is there an optimal “dose”? There is no right or wrong answer, it entirely depends on the type of experience each child wants to have.
Some schools fully embrace multiculturalism and do not set maximum percentages for any particular nationality. These schools are a true expression of globalisation, as long as there are clear codes of conduct and rules for respecting differences. Children learn about values, different perceptions of reality, distant places, and develop a love for the diversity of languages.
Another category of schools is where the majority of students are local nationals.
8. EXPLORING SCHOOLS THROUGH SUMMER CAMPS
Many independent schools abroad host summer camps during the summer months. These camps provide an excellent opportunity to simulate the study experience at a particular school. In addition, depending on the type of camp and its program, the child can improve their level of the language of instruction, make new friends, become more independent, discover sources of enthusiasm and the joy of curiosity, and can study subjects from a specific curriculum or explore areas of interest (architecture, medicine, robotics, IT, business, arts, fashion, etc.).
Learn more about the types of camps and possible destinations starting with this article. Contact us for personalised recommendations.
9. BUDGET
The costs of a year of study include tuition, accommodation, meals (full-board, half-board), most extracurricular activities held on campus/school, themed clubs, social events, study materials, access to the school’s academic resources, career guidance, and more.
Price often dictates quality.
The value for money is reflected in the school’s facilities (laboratories, sports facilities, IT equipment, music and arts departments, theater hall, etc.), the quality of the teachers, the number of staff, the academic resources, the number of students per class (depending on the subject and year of study, classes can have as few as 3 students, up to a maximum of 10, or go up to 28 students), and the variety of extracurricular activities…
Here you can find more information for a clearer picture.
10. SCHOOL VISITS
Even if you believe you have all the information about a school and clear expectations set, visiting it can give you a completely different perspective. And if you have several schools on your list (to which your child has already been admitted), with a pre-established ranking, there is a very high chance that the order of preferences will change entirely.
You will have the opportunity to interact with the teachers and school leadership, see the campus firsthand, beyond the lens of a camera. Moreover, you will be able to speak directly with the students of that school, observing their smiles and the serenity on their faces.
11. SCHEDULE A DISCUSSION WITH AN EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
You are just one step away from connecting with a specialist who can guide you through the selection and admission process. Wherever you are, we’re here to help.
