There are many quality schools in Shanghai, and one that will be a perfect fit for your family. Evaluating a new school can feel overwhelming when in a new country and far from home. Many parents will come for their ‘look-see’, and question, “What am I doing? Am I ruining my child’s life?” Rest assured, the answer is a definitive, No! Enrollment in an international school may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Keep alert to the unique experiences available to your child.

Obvious factors such as job and home location will go a long way towards narrowing your school choices, but you will want to take the time to become informed and thoroughly familiar with your options to ensure a high degree of confidence in your final decision.

There is no substitute for engaging in a school visit—your gut feeling will not lead you astray. Ask questions regarding the school’s core values and philosophy of learning and look for consistency in action when you visit.

Areas for consideration can be grouped into the following categories: Child and Family Needs, School Philosophy, Academic Performance of the School, Community, and School Visit.

Child and Family Needs

• Take stock of how your child learns best. Does my child learn best in a structured or unstructured environment? What learning style best suits him? Do the classrooms have desks, or do the children work collaboratively at tables? The furnishings in classrooms can cue parents about the teaching philosophy at the school. Classroom arrangement can suggest a structured approach or an approach that encourages independent learning.
• Location – Will your child need to be bused? How far? Is the school located in an area that is convenient for your family?
• Are the school’s values a match with my family’s values?

School Philosophy

• What is the principal’s philosophy about education? Do you see it played out in the school? What is the school’s attitude toward discipline? What is the school’s policy toward bullying? Are there formal programs in place to combat bullying?
• What are the school’s disciplinary policies?
• How does school develop character/citizenship?
• What is an average class size and how does this affect learning?
• Is the schoolwork rigorous, frequent and sufficient? How much can my child handle?
• Is the technology of the school state-of-the art? Is technology well-integrated into the classroom?

Academic Performance of School

• Standardized test scores demonstrate a record of achievement – Where does the school fall among the competition?
• Are all teachers certified? What is the percentage of teachers with advanced degrees?
• Curriculum – Is the approach child-centered and challenging enough to develop your child’s strengths and love of learning? Are the course offerings sufficiently extensive to meet your child’s needs? Does the school offer AP/IB?
• Look at the bulletin boards. How is student work displayed, especially writing samples and other evidence of literacy projects and artwork? Displays that feature work samples allow parents to see beyond test scores to what the children are learning and how they are learning it.
• Does the school’s curricular focus match parents’ expectations and educational goals for their child?
• How does the school support learning outside of the classroom?
• Are there engaging after-school programs, sports, academic enrichment that supports class learning?
• Where are their graduates going to college? Take a look at the college acceptances of High School seniors.

School Visit

• Always try to visit during school hours if possible. Finding an opportunity to attend a school function can also provide valuable information about the attitudes of staff, parents and students.
• Do the principal and faculty seem to know the students?
• What services are available for student counseling and university placement?
• Are students happy, courteous, and disciplined?
• Are they actively involved in learning? Instead of sitting silently, they should be responding to teachers, discussing class work, and using such technology as calculators, computers, and audiovisual equipment.
• Are teachers and staff helpful, approachable, and friendly?
• Take a good look at the facilities and services and imagine your children going about the school each day.  Look at the tech, library and gymnasium facilities.
• What security precautions is the school taking?

Community

• Are the parents and community involved in the school? Is there an active and vibrant Parent and Student Organization? Once a school has been chosen, it is important that parents maintain a real commitment to that school, including supporting the staff and contributing time and talents as they are able. Children who see their parents involved in this way have a greater likelihood of school success [1].
• Does the school have a strong sense of community in which your family can take an active role and will contribute to the successful transition of your family?
• What is the school’s reputation in the community? Do families make this area a destination because of the school?

Realtors

Realtors often have information about the reputation of particular schools in a geographic area. They can be a good resource when making decisions about which neighborhood or area of a city might be the best choice based on what the family is looking for in a school.

[Comments derived from articles found at www2.ed.gov and an article found on-line at The Telegraph, May 5, 2009]