The best school for our children

Several moms have asked my opinion on what school to send their children to. Since I know that no two children are alike, I refrain from promoting any particular school to my friends. Besides, I feel that parents ought to do some of their own homework to try to discover the school that best fits their child and one that they are willing to partner with in terms of their children’s holistic growth and development. I just want to remind parents that in choosing the school for their children, they should cater to their children’s needs and not their own. We shouldn’t be so caught up in sending them to our alma mater simply because we want to prove our loyalty to our school. We must be sensitive to the unique needs and gifts of our children, and find a school where these things may be enhanced to help them be all they can be.

There are several things to consider before deciding on where to send your child:

1. Proximity to your home or work place: Ideally, you would want to send your child to a school that is nearest to where you live so that when you cannot be available to bring or fetch him, other household members can easily do that task for you. I have no qualms about having my children take the tricycle or the jeepney because I know that learning takes place during that time. And since I have chosen a school near our home, there is less to worry about in terms of their safety. You may also save on gas and time if you consider bringing your child to a school that is close to your work place. You would just need to be conscious of your child’s schedule so that it doesn’t conflict with your work hours. This would also allow you to get a chance to grab a snack with your child during your break time.

2. Travel time: Consider how much time your child will have to spend riding the car or the school bus in order to get to school. It would be a great bonding time for both of you if you could make it a commitment to drive your child to and from school. If he has to take the school bus or be driven by the family driver, be aware that you will have to risk many hours of exposing him to their influence on a daily basis. Hopefully, you would have screened the bus driver first and known your family driver for quite some time, for safety purposes.

3. Philosophy/curriculum of the school: There’s a variety of philosophies offered by different schools. Don’t be swayed to go for what sounds good or popular. Find out what their philosophies mean and how they will enhance the development of your child. Some of the philosophies include traditional, Piagetian, multiple intelligence, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, developmental, progressive, Waldorf, Bank Street Method. Consider also if they will teach theology to your children. If this area is of utmost importance to you, make sure you find a school with the same faith you want to be instilled in your child.

4. Tuition fee: It’s not surprising that pre-school education costs an arm and a leg because teaching children is no joking matter. They require special skills and attention, toys that are designed for learning, an environment of fun and excitement, etc. These things cost a bundle. I don’t believe though that all expensive schools offer good quality service. Be wise. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you are giving your child the best just because you are paying a fortune for it. Some reasonably priced pre-schools offer better services than others because they have their own building and have been on the market for quite a while. Newer schools pay very high rental rates in exclusive subdivisions, which is why their tuitions tend to be higher

5. Teachers’ qualifications: This matters greatly. One time, I was asking advice on a school I found really neat and an educator friend of mine commented that it depends on the teacher. She sets the mood and the mode of instruction. Her expertise and grace make a big difference in the learning of your child. If you observe her class, she is composed even under pressure (you wouldn’t want a teacher who would snap at your child because she’s having a bad hair day), and gives a balance of freedom to learn and the proper limitations to keep everyone in their proper places. If you ask around, she should be someone who is a joy to be with.

6. School’s environment and facilities: These should be safe from harm; security is tight enough that you don’t have to fear that your kids will get kidnapped or escape and run off on the streets. Toys are age-appropriate and clean. Repairs are immediately done on broken fixtures or furniture. Restrooms are well-maintained and constantly disinfected. If your kids have asthma, it is better not to send them to an air-conditioned or carpeted school. They will thrive better in a well-ventilated, airy environment. I give high regard to cleanliness because my kids have skin asthma and their skin breaks out in the presence of too much dust. A well-run school must be clean to assure that kids do not get sick or are exposed to catching infection, like UTI. Besides, cleanliness is next to godliness, ’di ba?

7. The student’s disposition: My thesis adviser (also college secretary of UP, HE, Dr. Carol Ronquillo, stressed that one of the best indications of a great school is the happy faces of the students. When you make your school visit, make sure you look at how the students behave and express themselves. They are the products of that school and they are clear indications of how the school can affect your child.

Say a prayer before your quest and make sure you clarify your expectations with your husband first. With all that said, all the best!

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Send your thoughts to: mommytalk@business works.com.ph.