7 Most Important Factors while Choosing International Schools in India

Posted by Diksha Sharma on December 28th, 2020

India has a lot to offer when it comes to your child’s education. We have residential schools and day boarding schools that offer different curriculums, ranging from CBSE to state board to international boards like IB. Some schools often provide a combination of certain curriculums or the option of choosing between one or the other. However, the million-dollar question is which school is the one that would best suit your child?

At the moment, young parents have become interested in picking curriculums that offer an education met by the highest international standards. This has resulted in IB schools gaining popularity all across the country, and numerous new international schools have been popping up on the scene. So here is a list of things that every parent must keep in mind before settling for a school for their children:

1. Make sure that the school is actually “international”. It often happens that schools add “international” to their name, but do not offer an international curriculum. Although Indian curriculums like CBSE are internationally acceptable, they are not like international curriculums. So if you come across a school that you think is perfect for the child, check for the school’s accreditations and affiliations.

2. All educators in international schools are internationally qualified and trained to deliver the curriculum. They are not just well versed in the subject but are also equipped with the knowledge of how to deliver the curriculum in a way that is best suited for their students. Many of the top international schools in India have their in-house training sessions as well.

3. International schools are known for an equal emphasis on both education and extracurricular activities. Before enrolment, you must make sure that the school has the infrastructure to support multiple extracurricular activities that your child might have an interest in. Some of the country’s best international schools like MLSI offer their students the chance to participate in Model United Nations (MUN), robotics, music production, theatre, and several sports. 

4. International schools are known for their international education and experiences. If you are sending your child to an international school, make sure that they have the opportunities to participate in some kind of international experience, whether it is through an exchange programme or through competitions and events like MUNs.

5. While international schools promote an international outlook and offer an understanding of global culture, it is important to ensure that the students are not entirely detached from their home culture. Many parents want their children to represent the same family and moral values as themselves and look for schools that do the same.

6. The school’s website speaks volumes about the institution. However, it can often be deceiving. So before enrolling your kid in the school, it is wise that you visit the school and look around to ensure that students are getting all the facilities that are being promoted on the school’s website and social media.

7. The communication channels between parents and teachers, teachers and students are crucial to the child’s development. Hence, every parent must ensure that their child can express their concerns to their teachers at school, and the teachers have good communication with the parents.

No matter what kind of an educational board or school you pick, make sure that it is a place where your child feels comfortable, safe, and can learn and grow. It is their needs and requirements that must be given prime importance. It is also essential that as a parent, you are involved in your child’s growth and development, and do not leave them completely dependent on the school.