Selecting your child’s initial school and laying the foundation for their lifelong learning journey plays a pivotal role in shaping their character and instilling a passion for education.
As parents, it falls upon us to ensure that our children embark on their educational voyage with the best possible start. Nevertheless, the quest for the ‘perfect school’ often overwhelms many parents. The skills our children acquire beyond the confines of our homes, including social etiquette, behavior, and their early academic attitudes, are forged during these formative years. Hence, conducting thorough research to choose the right school for your child is of paramount importance.
A multitude of factors must be taken into account, such as the language of instruction, the school’s location, tuition costs, and the various curricular programs available. In bustling Bangkok & Chiang Mai, the sheer volume of options can seem daunting, adding to the complexity of this decision. To ease your burden, we’ve outlined some considerations to help steer you through this critical selection process. In addition, annually we publish a free digital and printed International Schools guide with a fully comprehensive list of schools in Bangkok and a little beyond.
Identify Your Priorities
First and foremost, it’s crucial to identify your priorities when selecting a school. Consider whether proximity to your home or workplace is a significant factor and how convenient commuting will be. Navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok can be both time-consuming and exasperating, which often prompts families to settle in close proximity to their chosen school. Furthermore, consider the specific curriculum offered, whether it aligns with an IB (International Baccalaureate) program, the British or American curriculum, and whether the school provides preschool options for younger children and caters to the secondary years. Most school admission offices and websites provide comprehensive details on yearly tuition fees, allowing you to plan ahead effectively. Additionally, they offer information on extra costs, such as ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and school bus transportation.
Make A Short List
Let’s now create a shortlist of schools that align with your unique requirements. It’s a wise idea to reach out to parents whose children are already attending these schools, as word of mouth can be a valuable resource. Most families tend to recommend a school only if they’ve had a positive experience. Nevertheless, choosing the right school is a highly personal decision, and sometimes, the ultimate connection or disconnect happens during your physical visit.
Visit The Schools
Visiting the schools you’ve shortlisted is a critical part of the selection process. Aim to schedule your visits during regular school hours. All schools typically offer guided tours of their facilities, including sports arenas and cafeterias. Don’t hesitate to ask for the opportunity to visit classrooms at the specific year levels you’re interested in. This provides a better sense of class sizes and dynamics. While you’re there, observe the teacher-to-student ratio, check for the presence of teaching assistants, review samples of student work, and gauge the overall engagement and happiness of the students.
Ask Questions
Prepare a list of questions to ask the school administrators during your visit. Inquire about school hours, meal options, uniform requirements, and the availability of creative play and extracurricular activities. You might also want to schedule a meeting with the school’s heads to understand the institution’s mission statement and the qualifications of the faculty. Verify whether the school holds any accreditations, ask about their child safeguarding policy, and gain insights into the support systems they have in place throughout the school. Additionally, request a sample of the school calendar and, for older students, a sample of a school timetable to grasp the duration and number of classes per day.
Apply To Several Schools
To keep your options open, consider applying to multiple schools. Most institutions maintain waiting lists, which depend on various factors like the year level, nationality, and the need for extra learning support. The school’s admissions department can inform you about the immediate availability of spaces or the length of any waiting list. Periodically check to see if more spots have become available and discuss options for enrollment in term 1 or 2 if the school can only accommodate you later in the academic year.
