There are many reputable schools across South Africa and Africa, and while the current state of education is not where it should be, there are true signs that your child is getting a good education. Here are our top ten:
1. You have constant and consistent open communication with the school
The key to knowing what kind of education your child is receiving is having a great communication rapport with the school and teachers. Regular contact in the form of emails, WhatsApp messages, homework slips, test/exam results, parents evenings, letters and phone calls, are all sure-fire ways of staying in the loop when it comes to your child’s education.
2. You and other parents are involved in the school
In an ideal world, parents and teachers would have a daily conversation on the progress of their children but realistically, this is almost impossible with the amount of children teachers have to educate on a daily basis. The best way to ensure your child is getting the right amount of help is to get involved. A great sign that your child is in a good school is knowing that you are also involved with other parents around school activities.
3. The academic programme at your child’s school is accessible at all times
Relying on the education department in your district to tell you what your child is learning at school is never the best idea. A good school makes sure that parents know in advance exactly what the child will be learning at any given grade for the year. An excellent school will even have their academic programme printed out with guidelines and make it accessible online.
4. You know the school governing body, prefects and teachers
Obviously, it is near impossible to know every prefect, member of the governing body, but knowing your headteachers, students and some key people in your child’s school life will save you the headache of wondering who is influencing or disciplining them when you are not there.
5. Your child’s school is well maintained and safe
A school does not have to have a lot of facilities or money to be well maintained or safe. A great sign your child is in good hands is if the classes are clean, the school grounds are well maintained and safety is a priority for the school.
6. The social calendar is just as robust as the academic
Children, like adults, are social beings that need to be active and make friends outside of the learning environment. A good school recognises this and creates fun-filled activities and days for school children to socialise. Whether it’s a school dance, a fun day or excursion days, any school that recognizes this as a big priority understands the balance and ultimately wins brownie points.
7. The academic average is high despite circumstances
Whether it’s funding, location or lack of teaching staff, any school that maintains a high average despite circumstances beyond their control is a school worth attending.
8. The extra-curricular activities are competitive
Sports and cultural activities are just as fundamental to your child’s growth and learning as their academic output. A good school recognises this and tries to create a healthy environment for students to thrive and grow in sporting and cultural activities.
9. They understand family problems and financial constraints
What many parents fail to realise is that schools are also businesses that have to make money in order to function. A great school is one that makes sure it is empathetic to the expenses and unforeseen circumstances of different family structures. If your child’s school dismisses them because of late fees without notifying you, it is not such a good school. There have been many inspiring stories of schools that have raised funds for children who come from disadvantaged homes or have suffered a sudden loss. Those are the kind of schools that care.
10. Your child’s overall performance is good
One of the major signs that your child is receiving the best education possible is if their results show it. Your child’s general average, academic performance, sports, cultural and social life are great indicators that they are in a good school. School can be difficult, so if your child is happy 80% of the time then you have done a great job of choosing a school for them. If not, it might be time to reconsider.
