High school forms an important time in a student’s life. It sets the stage for the rest of their academic and professional future. Simply sending your child to the high school down the street may work in some instances but not always.
You need to understand your child’s specific needs before you choose their high school. There are also types of schools to choose from. To help you in this seemingly daunting task, here are a few tips that can help you choose the best high school for your child, like a public or private school in Abu Dhabi.
Quality and Variety
Schools, both public and private, can be large or small, progressive or traditional, highly rigorous or not. However, it would be wise to not directly assume that only private schools equal quality or only public schools equal variety. Also, a seat in a highly coveted school, public or private, offers only an opportunity, not a one-way ticket to the best universities for your child.
Academic Programs Offered
Experts say that many times deciding on a type of high school for your child comes down to the academic programs offered by the school. Ask your child what they would like to study and look for a school that offers related opportunities.
Extra-curricular Activities
The number of extra-curricular activities, including sports, offered by public and private schools can vary greatly. You need to know how important activities and sports are to your child while you assess the differences between schools. After all, students need to get involved outside the classroom through extracurricular activities.
Approach To Learning
Before you settle on a high school, do some research. Here are some questions to ask:
- Does the school have a particular approach to teaching and learning?
- Will your child enjoy this approach?
- Does the school provide opportunities for extra help in learning?
- Does the communication language match your child’s?
- Is the school special-needs-friendly?
- What is the homework policy?
- What will be the class strength?
- Do you want your child to be in a single-gender or co educational environment?
Lifestyles and Finances
For some children, who end up getting little to no financial aid, the lifestyle adjustments can be dramatic, no matter what school you choose. It all depends on the kind of environment that is maintained inside the school premises by the students and management together. You need to be sure of the kind of lifestyle you want to introduce your child to and what it will cost you.
Technology and Resources
Parents need to know what schools today are doing with emerging technology and how it will benefit your child. You should also know how this technology is being integrated into the classroom setting. Some high schools use interactive whiteboards, provide students with laptops or tablets and assign coursework online.
These tips can be helpful while facing the most difficult and time-consuming decisions that parents face. Finding the right high school is essential as you want to ensure that your child starts on the right foot with their academic or professional career.
