Most answers to the question of “How to choose the right school?” tend to be normative, such as: check whether the school has a good reputation or whether its students achieve high exam scores. While both are important considerations, they are not the only factors parents should focus on. Parents need to spend time understanding what kind of school will truly meet the needs of their children.
Investing in education requires significant financial commitment, often incomparable even to purchasing a new house or car.
That is why choosing the best school for our children can feel somewhat daunting—especially with the wide variety of schools available today. As parents, it is crucial to carefully evaluate a school before enrolling your child, since it is the child who will ultimately experience the education process.
So, what essential aspects should you consider in selecting the right school for your children? The following points will help guide you:
- Qualifications of the Management and Teachers
The primary factor that differentiates one school from another lies in the quality of its teaching staff and management. Schools with highly qualified, experienced teachers, supported by a competent management team, should be a top priority.
First and foremost, parents need assurance that the teaching staff can provide a high-quality learning environment for their children. Beyond this, the competence of the school’s management ensures that all aspects of school operations are well-organized and effective. It is also important that the management is open to collaboration with parents in supporting their child’s educational journey.
- Curriculum
Another crucial factor is the curriculum. A strong curriculum not only emphasizes academic foundations but also places the child’s holistic development at its center.
Check whether classroom activities are designed to help students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Parents should also evaluate the breadth of learning experiences offered within the school’s curriculum, ensuring their child benefits from both intellectual and personal growth.
- Safety and Security
Once you are confident in the teaching staff and curriculum, the next priority is safety. After all, your child’s well-being must be the highest concern when entrusting them to a school.
Parents should ask detailed questions when reviewing a school’s safety standards. For example: Does the school have designated evacuation areas? Are safety facilities in place? How do staff members handle emergency procedures?
- Teaching Methodology
Why should parents review a school’s teaching methodology, even when teachers are well-qualified? Because methodology reflects how effectively teachers deliver lessons and engage students in their learning experience.
Parents should check whether teachers employ innovative methods that make learning engaging and interactive. Does the school allow students to express their ideas in class? Are discussions and project-based learning encouraged? These approaches greatly enrich the educational process.
- Extracurricular Activities
Parents certainly do not want their children confined solely to a rigid academic schedule. Extracurricular activities are essential to provide balance, enjoyment, and opportunities for talent development.
Activities such as sports, arts, scouting, or life skills programs not only serve as recreation but also play a significant role in developing children’s social abilities, teamwork, and creativity. Well-designed extracurricular programs complement the quality of the academic experience.
- Proximity and Location
Location is another key factor when choosing a school. Proximity matters not only for reducing transportation costs but also for supporting a child’s daily learning process.
Parents should evaluate the distance between home and school, as well as available access or school-provided transportation services. A closer location helps children arrive on time, reduces fatigue, and enables them to better engage in their studies.
- Culture, Values, and Ethics
Above all, parents should consider the school’s culture and values. What principles does the school uphold? Does it have a clear code of ethics?
A healthy school culture promotes teacher professionalism, continuous learning, innovative environments, and a sense of responsibility. The values instilled in a school significantly influence students’ mindsets and character. Parents should also evaluate whether the school’s values align with those practiced at home.
Conclusion
These seven key factors serve as a comprehensive guide for parents seeking the right school for their children. There is no need for confusion or hesitation—especially in areas such as Jatimakmur, Pondok Gede—when clear indicators such as teaching quality, management, curriculum, methodology, and safety standards are available for verification.
While methodology and safety require close evaluation, it is equally important to understand the culture and values promoted by the school. The best next step is to visit the school directly—so that parents can make an informed choice with confidence and register their children without hesitation.
Adapted by Yusuf Yudhana