How to Choose a Primary School

How as parents do we decide on the right school for our child, particularly if you are considering the tremendous diversity of choice available within the non-government school sector? It?s not simply a question of locating the closest school to home ? there is a whole barrage of issues to be considered.

The one topic we are all experts on is our children. You know better than anyone your child?s strengths and weaknesses, interests and abilities. You know if they will thrive in a large school or feel more secure in a smaller setting. You know if they will feel safer close to home or will find it an adventure to travel further afield. And you will know whether a single-sex or coeducational setting is best for them.

Parents are the primary educators of their children, and the more they are involved in their children?s school, the greater the chances of success for that child socially and academically. So if you are a person who really wants to be involved at school whether as a volunteer in the classroom or tuckshop, or as a member of the school?s governing body, make sure those opportunities are open to you.

Your choice may be easier if you are seeking a school which supports your family?s religious beliefs and cultural associations. Or you may be committed to a particular educational philosophy. Adversely you may be attracted to a school for a number of reasons but be unwilling to abide by its beliefs. This is to be avoided at all costs? children flourish in an atmosphere of cooperation between school and parent. There is no point in sending them to a school whose values you do not respect.

What else to consider? How much time are you willing to spend travelling? Are you willing to drive some distance from home or would you prefer a school which is part of your local community? Does the school offer small class sizes, a variety of extra-curricular activities such as camps, sport, drama and music, remedial and extension classes? Does your child have special needs that will require extra commitment from a school? Remember, children with disabilities receive much lower levels of government assistance in the non-government sector than they do at government schools so this may influence your decision.

And in practical terms, in the non-government school sector, there is no getting away from fees. Fees can range from around $1000.00 to over $15,000.00 per annum, and don?t include the associated costs of uniforms, books etc.

Feeling exhausted, not to mention confused?
Well, Open Days are a wonderful way to see a school in action and to gain a sense of what it may offer your child. Ask for an interview with the principal or registrar and for copies of school policies. Observe how students interact with teachers and other members of the school community. Does it seem a happy place? Look at its buildings and other resources. Speak to a range of families already attending the school ? keeping in mind that one family?s experiences may not be representative. And it is possible to seek guidance from educational psychologists and other specialists who are familiar with a range of schools.

But most importantly, don?t leave it too late! Many non-government schools have waiting lists even at primary levels. It also helps schools if you enrol as soon as possible as it enables them to prepare for the following year in terms of classrooms and teachers needed.

Have confidence in your knowledge of your child and your ability to know what is best for them and for your family. You are sending them off on the adventure of a lifetime, and best of all, you get to go along too!