Finding the ‘Right’ school for your child in Jakarta

With the growing number of schools in Jakarta, parents find it even harder to find the ‘Right’ school for their child. Most are confused and many call me to ask for help. There is not only a lack of understanding of the systems and curriculum followed in each school but also a lot of expectations from parents that makes it harder for them to find the ‘right’ school, say Sony Vasandani. Rather than confuse over other parents talks or advertisements, it is best for parents to shortlist the schools based on the following: 1. The fees of the schools that you can afford without causing stress. 2. The distance that your child can take and the means and cost of transport. These are important factors to consider and be comfortable with or you will find yourself changing your child’s school every other year! Most schools, international or National plus, do have the IGCSE curriculum and board exams. So, it is best not to worry about the curriculum.

Having shortlisted the schools, the tricky part is finding a school that implements the curriculum in the way that meets the needs of your child. Does that make sense? Many schools still use the very traditional way of teaching (any many parents can actually only relate to this) and many others now use more project based activities or active learning. If your child is active, can’t keep still, not really someone who can sit long over his homework, a school with active, hands on and more interactive learning is more for him. Keeping him in a school with the traditional system will only frustrate him (and you in the long run) and you are bound to hear a series of complains over every parents meeting. To me, a good school is one that has a good balance of academics and sports & play activities. It is also one with qualified teachers who care and understand children. Irrespective of the school you choose for your child, it is important to see that your child’s day has a good balance of work and play! So if sports and other extra curricular activities is lacking in the school but you are okay with everything else, see that you provide your child with out of school activities. Joining a nearby club and taking your child there for any activity or even a walk for a minimum of an hour is very important for the growth of the mind and the physical body of your child. Please remember, children who don’t get enough exercise or play time suffers with their academics in school. Exercise /play time is the best way to release stress. There is so much truth in the old saying – “ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY”!