How to Choose a school for your child

There are many issues to consider when choosing a school for your child. There are also many questions to be answered to ensure that the school suits the child rather than the child needing to adapt to suit the school.

Some questions that you may wish to be answered include:

1. What is the nature of your child? Are they academically inclined or have other special talents or needs? How does your child deal with emotions, confidence and friendships?

2. What aspirations do you have for your child?

3. What assistance do you require from a school to ensure your child develops?

4. Does the school support your family values? i.e. religion, cultural, ethnic community and educational philosophy.

5. Are you looking for a school for Kindergarten to Year 12? Or only K-6, 7-12 or 11-12.

6. Are you looking for a single sex school or a co-educational school?

7. What seems to be the culture of the new school? How has the school performed in the past? What is the school discipline policy?

8. Does the school have an active and supportive parent community, involving parents in learning and school community activities?

9. How will your child get to and from the school? How long and far will they need to travel? What transport services are available?

10. What is your financial position? Does the school use a fee-saving or flexible payment plan or offer scholarships that your child could apply for?

11. Does the school have a wait-list? What is the enrolment process?

For a listing of all Independent Schools in NSW: SchoolFinder