Selecting the most appropriate international school that a child will attend is one of the best decisions that any parent can ever make. A good international school should give quality education and assist children to adapt with the new culture of the society but be international minded.
Things to check when selecting an international school
Language of instruction
Consider the main language used for teaching and any additional language programs offered. Many international schools use English as the medium of communication but may have well developed second language support. While selecting a model, consider the child’s present communication skills and expected developmental stage in future.
Teacher qualifications
The teacher’s qualification is a key determinant of your child’s learning process. Try to find schools with well qualified teachers and teaching experience in other countries. Pay attention to their language competence, which means the teachers must be native speakers of the language taught in the class and, if possible, must be certified.
Class size and student teacher ratio
Smaller class sizes often mean more individual attention for each student. A student teacher ratio makes it easier for instructors to focus on the individual child. Many international schools have small classes to facilitate learning and teaching.
Facilities and resources
The infrastructural facilities of the school are required for several learning activities. Modern classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, sports amenities, and arts centers add value in education. It is important to check whether the school has current technology and learning tools.
Location and transportation
Consider the time it will take you to get to the school from your home. Most international schools provide bus services, which could be very useful. Consider how many hours one has to spend in traffic before getting to the school and whether that’s convenient for your family plan.
Extra curricular activities
Extra curricular activities taken as part of students help develop well rounded students. Discover which sports, arts, music, club the school has to offer to its students. The best hong kong international school provides various activities that may help the learners in discovering themselves.
University preparation and guidance
Know how well the school prepares the students for university. Look at the ratio of school graduates who went to universities and the schools’ ability to provide college guidance services. Ask them if they offer and make preparations for the standardized tests and the application to university.
Assessment methods
Find out how the school evaluates student progress. There are numerous types of assessment currently in different schools such as tests, examinations, projects, and so on. Ensure students get the learning they deserve and the learning style they prefer.
School culture and values
Find out how the school evaluates student progress. In many schools there are many forms of assessment such as examination tests and projects. Ensure your child gets the learning they deserve and the learning style you prefer.
Conclusion
Selecting the right international school influences your child’s learning process. You should therefore take some time to visit different schools in order to make the right decision.