How did people choose a primary school for their children? Location? Price? School reviews? What were the major factors that wmade you choose?
How did people choose a primary school for their children? Location? Price? School reviews? What were the major factors that wmade you choose?
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5 Replies
If you are not limited to schools in your catchment area, I would read up on the schools policies and their curriculum I would choose the school that best echoed what I wanted for my children.
I chose a primary school based solely on location. There was only ever the one option available that was within walking distance so it was always that school the kids went to. We are moving again and the kids will be moving to the local primary school for our new area. There isnt a lot of difference between state primary schools where I live so it really comes down to individuals in the school or the policies that will result in good or bad experiences.
I went to the car park to observe the parents. One mother was full term pregnant ciggie hanging out of the mouth, a few swearing like sailors (the c word around younger kids). Things like that put me right off. So we're going catholic next year.
We chose by going and interviewing with the schools we were interested in. Ask about their bullying policy. This is really important. Ask also depending on your child what they have available if your child is behind or ahead academically. Our eldest is very bright and his school has the resources to extend him which is really important. By interviewing with the schools you should get a good feel of what will be a good fit for your child. Ask other parents too! Hope this helps!
I looked up the literacy and numeracy results for the school, took a tour, and it also happened to be close to home and a school where most of his kinder friends are going. I have heard a lot of great things by talking to mums that have other kids there, and am quite pleased with my choice, but until orientation, i was nervous still despite all this great information, but i figure if its not the right school for him, i can always move him (not that i want to).
Go to the school's website and download their anti-bullying policy. It is a big deal, not only because bullying can change everything for your child, but also because it shows you what the values of the individual school are.
Having put several children through the education system (public, catholic, and private independent) I am without a doubt that a small independent private school is the best option. They are not overly expensive compared to the bigger private schools (similar fees to the catholic system) but the service, individual attention, and community spirit is above and beyond anything we experienced anywhere else. You'd be surprised how much input you have when you are a paying customer (although I didn't find the same thing in the catholic system).
Education is a one shot game. I'm not in anything like the position to pay school fees, but it's worth every sacrifice because the difference has been obvious.