Top 10 tips to consider when choosing the right high school for your child
Newly enrolled high schoolers have many challenges to face concurrently: adolescent physical development, academic, emotional and social factors.
• Begin exploring school options while your child is still in primary school to avoid any disappointment if your child’s first choice is not available.
• Engage your teenager when discussing school choices and options. They have to be happy and emotionally accepting in order for them to reach their full potential.
• Having an idea of possible careers, sports and activities offered, will help teenagers make better choices beyond high school.
• Choosing the same school your family attended for generations might not be the best option for your high schooler, as their needs might be very different from yours.
• Plan your finances way in advance as high school education incurs much more expenses than primary school. Look out for possible scholarships, bursaries and other means to help you supplement your school expenses.
• Read reviews on various schools and speak to current and past families to guide you and your child in making an informed choice. Only settle for a final choice once you are comfortable.
• Spending time on campus at various times of the school year will give you an opportunity to assess how the school manages the various challenges they face.
• Set aside your high school experience and avoid influencing your teenager with negative experiences you might have had as a student. Times change and so do experiences, preconceived ideas will create unnecessary anxiety and stress for them.
• Consider and explore the extras that the school offers, like free tutoring and support, integrating the arts, field experiences, community volunteering or anything that might help contribute to your child’s balanced development.
• Secure and read handbooks and policies in advance and ask for clarification where needed. Make sure your child is committed to following the policies and discipline management before enrolling.
Newly enrolled high schoolers have many challenges to face concurrently: adolescent physical development, academic, emotional and social factors.
Doing your research way in advance and exploring choices, will help your family take control of all your short and long term education decisions.
Compiled by Ponnie Modjadji Moodley, an integrated education development consultant.
