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Six questions parents should ask themselves before and after a school open house
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W
hen it comes to education, parents may have their own perspectives and approaches, but one thing is certain: they want the best for their children.
As a new academic year approaches, schools have opened their doors to prospective students looking for their next chapter in life. In turn, their parents will likely be close behind, busy with finding the right school amid the myriad of options available.
Open houses provide parents with helpful information on the particular school, but it may be overwhelming and confusing. Academic opportunities, extracurricular activities, teaching philosophies and school culture are just a few of the jigsaw pieces parents must put together to discover the best fit for their child's education.
Kathleen Ngkaion, admissions manager at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), has suggested a simple yet effective method for transforming a whirlwind of brochures and information into a focused journey: contemplation. She recommends parents engage in open conversations before and after open houses, whether as a family or with their child.
Before the open house: charting your course
Before evaluating school choices, Ngkaion recommends developing a common family vision for your child's education. This includes taking into account educational theories that appeal to you, the type of setting you envision and which practices you consider essential. Answering these questions allows you to identify your goals and filter possible schools using a clear lens.
Once you have established this structure, Ngkaion suggests developing a list of leading questions that you must answer yourself. Consider questions like:
- Alignment: Do the school's values and vision mirror our own?
- Community: Will this school feel like a supportive family for our entire family?
- Interests: Does the school offer diverse academic and extracurricular options that spark our child's curiosity?
- Practices: Do the teaching methods, assessments and homework policies align with our beliefs?
- Comparison: How does this school differ from our child's current or past schools? What did we appreciate or want to change?
- Goals: What are our long-term goals for our child's education? Can this school help us achieve them?
The open house: seeing beyond the walls
With your leading questions at hand, it is time to start looking into the schools. Take notice of more than simply academic programs. Ngkaion emphasizes the need for sensing the pulse of the institution with three simple steps.
- Listen closely: Notice how administrators, teachers and staff talk about their philosophies and practices. Do they resonate with your family's values?
- Observe interactions: Watch how teachers and students interact. Does the atmosphere feel warm and inclusive?
- Engage thoughtfully: Ask questions that delve deeper than surface-level information. Express your concerns and priorities to see if the school aligns with your vision.
Beyond the present: investing in the future
Remember, choosing a school is not just about the present but about your child's future growth and potential. Ngkaion offers three final tips:
- Reflect on your child's past: Analyze their experiences and identify areas for improvement. This helps you choose a school that can address their specific needs.
- Set clear goals: What do you hope for your child's educational journey? Knowing your goals allows you to assess whether a school can truly support them.
- Nurturing potential: Choose a school that challenges your child, celebrates their talents and helps them blossom into their best selves.
Attending school open houses may be difficult, but with some contemplation, clear priorities and active investigation, you can turn the experience into an exciting journey of discovery. Remember that the ideal school is more than simply academics; it is about choosing a community that will support your child's development and help them reach their greatest potential.
