13 Things you must look for in a Secondary School

Searching for the best Secondary school? The stress of finding the right school and tons of formalities in the application process makes you feel blue? 

 

No worries!

 

We have quizzed the experts and parents (who had been at your place already) on suggestions for you to help you out with what you should look out for in Secondary School.

 

What to look out for in a Secondary Japan Tokyo International School

 

1. The common query parents have is, “How many schools should one look at”?

The answer is that even if your heart is set on 1 school, try to visit at least 3 to 4 to compare and check. This will also help in case your preferred school is over-subscribed or booked.

 

1. Open evening or In-session visit?

Open evenings are good to get an overview but you get a more clear and more accurate picture in an in-session visit. Schools usually have no issue in providing in-session visits but you can always clear this during inquiry with a counselor or authorities.

 

1. Are the children polite and well presented?

Most of the parents forget the important thing about the school is the Pupils. Are they confident and helpful? How is their behavior? All of these are essential to know how values are set by teachers and pupils. You can visit the school during the peak hours such as in the morning or evening hours so that you get to meet many children on the way and it would be helpful to observe them and get the overall idea.

 

1. What are the facilities and how are they maintained?

It is essential to know all the facilities available but do not forget the basic facilities such as cafeteria or canteen, water drinking area, toilet, library, campus etc. Japan Tokyo International School is known for the wide spectrum of spaces and quality campus life for students in a multicultural, diverse environment. Some facilities are  IT Labs, Audio-Visual Room, Multi-purpose Hall, Yoga Room and Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Universal Values.

 

 

1. What are the exam results like?

Check the overall exam results of the school, i.e. the passing percentage in the past years and the consistency as it will help you to know the grades of the students, quality of teaching and dropout rate.

 

1. What is the overall progress of students?

It is easy to overlook or forget during the school evaluation process the progress of the students. Parents are advised to check the existing students’ progress (overall student’s journey from grade they had joined the school to grade 11, i.e. when they leave after the final year). Know the difference the school has made in them as it will help you to know how much impact the school has made on them.

 

1. How does the school cater to children’s needs?

Having a school that has a good balance of academics and extracurriculars is always good but do not forget to consider your child’s needs before finalizing any Secondary School.

 

For eg:- Your child wishes to study abroad for higher studies in future, so having a curriculum like IB that meets International standards can be great.

 

1. Will the size of the school suit your child?

No, we are not talking about the teacher-student ratio, that still remains the same. A low teacher-student ratio is always good for personal attention to each student and better engagement.

We want parents to focus on fostering a community feeling, the bigger the community of the school, the more opportunities your child will have to grow and develop skills. 

 

1. How is the learning environment?

Visiting the classrooms will give you an idea about the learning environment. 

For eg:- How are the seating arrangements? Do they use whiteboards or displays? What are the resources or other technologies used? How well organized or neat and tidy the classrooms are?

 

1. What extracurricular activities are offered?

Secondary school is the crucial year for the students so having different types of extracurricular activities will help children to release their stress and get relaxed. Also, they can explore the opportunities to understand their potential and pursue their passion. Schools like  Japan Tokyo International School that have extracurricular activities are a good indicator of the breadth of experiences and enjoyment available to students.

 

1. How is the discipline of the school and how do teachers handle students?

Having a school that has a mixed approach where teachers are strict enough to instill good discipline in them and casual enough to help students to get comfortable in opening up easily. 

Check how teachers handle students and their behaviors and what are the strategies used by them to discipline the students

 

1. Do teachers know students personally?

If you want to know how connected teachers are to students or want to understand. Their engagement level, then check if the teachers know students personally. Do teachers know children as individuals or only know them for their grades in the class or their performance and results?

 

A good teacher is one that knows each student personally such as their names. Their strength, weakness, interest, potential and passions. Pastoral care is more important than anything. 

 

1. What does your child think of the school?

While you being the parent have the upper hand in selecting the best school for your children considering the pros and cons but knowing your child’s views will also help to know if they are happy with your choice. In the end, you want them to be happy and grow overall. Take them along to school visits and discuss what they liked or disliked about the school. You will understand their perspective or make them understand the reason for the selection so that they get a clear idea.

 

A few other things to consider while selecting a Secondary School:-

• How is the security of the school?
• Do schools involve parents in the learning of the children? Are there opportunities for parents to take part in school activities?
• Who are the authorities of the school and what are their overall reputations?
• Do schools have counselors to guide children?
• What is the future plan of the school?
• Do schools have trips or other outdoor activities planned?
• What will be the total cost? Any hidden charges if any?
• Do schools have scholarships to support students who are academically well?
• What are the teachers’ qualifications or experience? 
• Do teachers have up-to-date knowledge or know about the new trending changes in the education system? 
• Does the school conduct training for the teachers?

 

Conclusion

The most important thing is that you are selecting the Japan Tokyo International School

 to set your child’s future which will help them in developing good habits, and skills and prepare them overall for the competitive world out there.

 

So note down all the questions, ask all the queries, and clear all your doubts. The best school would be happy to answer all your queries. If you feel they aren’t, then you have to say goodbye to them and choose the other school that clears all your doubts and is genuinely helping parents and children.

 

Lastly, take your child to all the school visits and take their opinion and finalize the one that makes both of you happy!