Tips for parents visiting international or private schools

If parents consider sending their children to international or private schools, visiting the schools, attending open days, or consultation sessions are important steps to understand the schools and make decisions that are suitable for their children. Here are some tips：

Before visiting the school, you can

Prepare in advance:

Familiarize yourself with the school's background information, including its educational philosophy, curriculum, and special programs. You can often find this information on the school's website or through other social platforms. This will allow you to ask more targeted questions and make specific observations during the visit.

Set clear goals:

Determine the aspects that you are concerned about, such as teaching quality, faculty, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, etc. Note down these goals so that you can pay attention to relevant information during the visit and ask questions during the Q&A sessions.

During the school visit, you can

Observe classrooms and student activities:

Pay attention to the teaching atmosphere, student engagement, and interaction. International or private schools usually arrange opportunities for parents to observe classes or student activities. Through observation, parents can gain insights into the school's teaching style and students' learning experiences to evaluate if the school is suitable for their children.

Ask questions and interact:

Actively participate in the Q&A sessions during the visit and ask questions to school representatives or teachers to learn more details about the school. You can inquire about teaching methods, student support (e.g., whether the school provides English as an Additional Language support for non-native speakers), academic performance, college placement, etc.

Communicate with students and parents:

If possible, engage in conversations with current students or parents at the school to understand their perspectives and experiences. This can provide additional viewpoints and feedback to help parents make decisions.

Pay attention to details:

Notice the school's facilities, resources, and learning environment (e.g., ongoing renovations or expansions, availability of activity spaces for students in newly established schools). Observe whether the school provides favorable conditions for learning and development and if it aligns with your expectations.

After visiting the school, you can

Record impressions:

Many parents take photos or videos during the visit. However, it's important to follow the school's guidelines regarding photography (e.g., not taking pictures or uploading photos with students' faces or names on social platforms) as schools prioritize student privacy. After the visit, try to record your impressions, observed strengths, and questions for consideration. This will help you make accurate decisions during the subsequent comparison and evaluation process.

The most important thing is to maintain an open mind and not solely focus on the school's reputation and surface information. Truly experience the school's atmosphere and suitability. Establish connections with school representatives and other participants, and consider a comprehensive evaluation of observations and feedback to choose the most suitable school. If you're interested in learning more about international or private schools, feel free to contact us.