You may be considering changing your child’s school if you are experiencing any of the following:
- You’re moving to a new neighbourhood with a new school district
- Your child is having issues at their current school outside of academic issues
- Your child’s current school is not providing the quality of education you want for your child
If you are going through any of the above situations, you might be in the beginning stages of changing schools for your child. There are many different factors that go into deciding which school is the right one for your child.Here are five things to consider when looking for a new school for your child:
How Your Child Feels
While it may seem like how your child feels is the last thing you should take into account, you should be considerate of how the move will affect them. Despite the fact that the move will affect you functionally, for example, you’ll need to drive your child to a new location and pay new tuition fees, it might be harder on your child if they are older and have strong ties with people at their old school. On the other hand, if your child is the one who wants to move, this can indicate that they believe they cannot be successful where they are, or that they would be safe. Ultimately, the decision rests on you but it is important to also consider their perspective. Start by opening a dialogue with your child by asking them whether they like their school, if they feel safe, and if they think they are getting a good education.
Your Child’s Relationships
It’s important to pay attention to your child’s relationships at school, whether they are popular or not. If your child is struggling to make friends, this can influence a decision. On the other hand, your child could be comfortable being on their own, which is no cause for alarm. If your child is having problems with their friends, or they are getting bullied, this is another story. You might want to move them if they are being ostracized. Be sure to take this up with the administration to prevent the same thing happening to another child.
Quality of Education
Not all schools have the same academic curriculum, and some are more rigorous than others. You should find a school that has an academic program that is in line with what you want for your child. Your child may be stressed by their current workload, or they might not be challenged enough, so it’s important to be informed.
Quality Educators
The staff and teachers at your child’s school is just as important as the academic program. The teachers will either inspire your child or discourage them, so this is of the utmost importance to know who your children’s teachers are and whether or not you agree with their style of teaching.
When you’re considering a change of schools for your child, there are many factors to think about. Contact Canstem Education for more information.
