Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. You want to find a school that will provide your child with quality education, a safe and conducive environment, and opportunities for personal growth and development. But how do you go about finding such a school in Kenya?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child, such as the curriculum, the location, the fees, the facilities, the teachers, and the reputation of the school. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice.
- Decide on the type of curriculum you want for your child. There are different types of curricula offered by schools in Kenya, such as the Kenyan National Curriculum, the British Curriculum, the American Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum. Each curriculum has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your child’s needs, interests, and goals. You should research the features, benefits, and challenges of each curriculum and compare them with your child’s preferences and aspirations.
- Consider the location of the school. The location of the school can affect your child’s commute time, safety, and exposure to different cultures and environments. You should look for a school that is easily accessible from your home or workplace, has adequate security measures, and is situated in a suitable area that matches your child’s personality and interests.
- Compare the fees of different schools. The fees of schools in Kenya vary widely depending on the type of curriculum, the facilities, the reputation, and the demand of the school. You should have a realistic budget for your child’s education and compare it with the fees of different schools that meet your criteria. You should also factor in other costs such as transport, uniforms, books, and extra-curricular activities.
- Visit the schools and inspect their facilities. The facilities of a school can affect your child’s learning experience, comfort, and well-being. You should visit the schools that you are interested in and inspect their facilities such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories, sports fields, playgrounds, dormitories, cafeterias, and health centers. You should also observe how clean, spacious, modern, and well-maintained they are.
- Meet the teachers and staff of the schools. The teachers and staff of a school can influence your child’s academic performance, motivation, and attitude toward learning. You should meet the teachers and staff of the schools that you are considering and assess their qualifications, experience, professionalism, and rapport with students. You should also ask about their teaching methods, assessment strategies, feedback mechanisms, and support systems.
- Check the reputation of the schools. The reputation of a school can reflect its quality of education, its achievements, its culture, and its values. You should check the reputation of the schools that you are interested in by looking at their academic results, their alumni network, their awards and recognition, their online reviews and ratings, and their word-of-mouth referrals.
- Involve your child in the decision-making process. Ultimately, your child is the one who will attend the school that you choose for him or her. Therefore, you should involve your child in the decision-making process by discussing with him or her about your options, listening to his or her opinions and preferences, visiting the schools together, and respecting his or her choice.
