Finding a private school for your child can be a stressful and confusing experience. There are just so many factors to consider and choosing the right one can give you a headache. It isn’t as simple as browsing through their website, enrolling them in the school and showing up on the first day to hand them over to the teacher. Visiting the school should be an essential part of the selection process.
- Preparation
Before you arrive, make sure you carefully plan the visit. Ask them can you stay for a half day or even a full day if possible. You want to get a proper feel for the school, and this won’t be achieved unless you stay for a couple of hours. When visiting private schools in Bangkok, see can your kid interact with other students and get involved in activities. In addition, have a list of questions you can ask when speaking to teachers and coordinators.
- Students & Classes
To get a feel for the school, you need to observe the students when they are in class. The best way of learning about the school is to see the kids interact with their fellow students and teacher. Ask can you sit in on a class and take note of the dynamics between the instructor and students.
- Teachers
When choosing an international school, the teachers will be a big part of your decision. When visiting the school, make some time to speak to them and ask them a range of questions. See what kind of training they have received and how much experience they have in education. Also try to find out about the turnover ratio.
- The Campus & Your Child Reaction
Explore as much as the school as possible and see what type of facilities they have to offer. It should be a fun learning environment with lots of different nationalities. While walking around, don’t forget to gauge your child’s reaction. Ask them how they feel about the school and if they would like to study there.
If after the first visit, you have any doubts or you’d like to dig a little deeper, don’t be afraid to schedule a second trip. If the school had no problems the first time, they should be the same again. A first-class international school will be as accommodating as possible, understanding the difficulties each parent face when they have to select a school.