The importance of school education and great schools cannot be understated. Not just about the past and the present, education is also the key to the future. It helps discipline children for the intellectual challenges of the rest of the 21st century.

Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right school for your child. When choosing a school for their children, parents tend to have strong preferences and criteria. They invest considerable time and resources in the selection process – from research on social media to gathering opinions from other parents, checking rankings and reviews online, and visiting schools in person. It is important to know what parent expectations are so that schools can accommodate their aspirations and needs.

What makes some schools much more sought after than the others? Our regular interactions with parents, educationists and teachers help us keep abreast of the factors evaluated by parents when they make decisions about schools. Here are some of their topmost criteria.

1. Development of core qualities with consistent academic results
   A school which credits itself to consistently high academic outcomes is often high up on parents’ wish lists. Although several other factors come into play, this criteria is an important one as it reflects the school’s overall efforts. Parents expect these reputed schools to deliver on all core qualities such as good reading and maths abilities, provide excellent exposure to science and technology, and extra-curricular activities.
2. Innovative teaching approaches and well-equipped teachers
   The pedagogical approach and capable, qualified teachers who resort to continuous professional development are important deciding factors for parents while choosing the best school for their children. A variety of approaches or curriculums are used by schools, with some perceived to be more effective than others. Even if the school follows a conventional state-prescribed or national syllabus, schools that use innovative teaching methods are increasingly sought after. Like teacher and XSEED Super Teacher contest winner Cassandra says, “today’s classrooms are not confined to four walls”, and schools must continuously push boundaries of learning.

   A lot of parents are open to relatively newer philosophies and programs such as Montessori or International Baccalaureate (IB). Schools need to make sure that the teachers are well equipped to deliver it, and that the methodology is followed conscientiously.

3. Futuristic learning methods that go beyond just textbooks
   ‘Good marks’ are a thing of aspirations any day. There is an equal need for problem-solving skills, creative and critical thinking, confidence to speak out, collaboration and digital skills. An informed parent makes sure to pick a school that works with proven and research-based academic programs such as XSEED, and encourages the development of future-focused life skills.
4. Experiential learning, and no more rote learning
   Says Varleen Kaur, teacher at Mira Model School, Delhi – “These days schools are shifting from a teacher-centric learning approach to a child-centric approach”, which parents vouch for too. They want to educate their kids in schools that encourage active classrooms, where silencing is no more the norm. They want kids to learn concepts in an exciting, engaging manner rather than rote learning. Schools should encourage students’ participation in classes, asking questions, active discussions and problem-solving individually and in groups.

5. A focus on extracurricular activities
   The importance of extra-curricular activities in a child’s development is undebatable. A school which provides ample opportunities and facilities for this is hence highly regarded and preferred. Some parents hunt for schools with specialized arts, theatre or sports teachers, or any particular area which their children are keen on. Well-maintained facilities like a fully equipped music room, swimming pools, tennis courts or basketball fields, and qualified coaches are a definite plus when it comes to decision making.

6. Safe environment
   Safety is a big concern and a very relevant criterion nowadays, with increasing instances of bullying, harassment, and drug abuse in schools all over the world. Parents look for schools with a pleasant environment created by teachers and staff, not a hostile one. They seek to understand the security measures taken, and the discipline policies that the school can enforce if there is an untoward incident.

   From the school’s perspective, any shortcoming in the safety aspect affects the entire institution, leads to bad press and a bad reputation which is difficult to erase. So schools need to take strict measures to maintain a safe environment for children and the staff.

7. Good parent – teacher – management communication
   Parents love to play an active role in their children’s education, pitch in with their ideas and to get involved in school events and activities. They prefer schools which value their opinions and have frequent interactions with the teachers and the management, rather than a strict closed-door policy. They value periodic, constructive feedback on their wards’ performance and improvement areas. And they appreciate quick resolutions to their queries and concerns through formal and informal communication methods.

There may also be parents who look for specific requirements such as proximity to home, special learning facilities, availability of after-school care and so on, which cannot be generalized here.

But in general, we have found that for today’s progressive parents the right school is one that inculcates academic, emotional and social skills. Schools must therefore strive to provide a positive, safe environment that prepares children for a successful professional and social life ahead.

We at XSEED work with schools as an academic partner providing a complete solution for developing 21^st century skills in children. We have a 200 strong R&D department, and our solution addresses every aspect of your academic need – micro curriculum, teacher and leader training, books and workbooks, assessment, and technology. For more information, visit xseededucation.com or call us at 1800 102 7200 (toll free number)

This blog also appears under the heading “The most important criteria for parents while choosing schools”