Choosing a school

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Monika Pedersen

The word school conjunctures up a vision of a building with leaders, teachers, and students; however, not one school is like another. Within these institutions, there are complexities which differentiate them through the philosophy, focus, resources, location, and people. Having worked in a few schools and visited many others, it is always interesting to observe the differences. It must feel overwhelming for parents when deciding on a school for their children, especially when moving abroad and trying to decide without always having the possibility to visit them beforehand.

There is no easy formula to apply, but there are some considerations to bear in mind.

Size

Many schools, especially international schools, pride themselves on their exam results, which are usually published on their website. Often these results are used as a marker to indicate the prestige and quality of the academic education of the institution. Results are like statistics and do not tell the whole story, but with the need to stay ahead in a competitive world, these are taken very seriously by educational leaders and school admission officers. Some parents with very high aspirations for their children are swayed by this information. For a child who is more of an all-rounder or has talents in different areas, such as sports or creative skills, these do not play such an important role.

International or local community

The type of school and the experience a child will have are important. Some parents, especially those who are on short-term contracts and therefore very mobile, an international school is the best option. An international school follows a world-known curriculum, such as the Cambridge programme or the PYP, MYP, or DP programmes, which ensures a better chance of continuity for a child on their learning journey. The programmes also provide students with an international education, which will be recognised by universities across the globe. In addition, an international school is geared to providing a wrap-around programme with after-school activities and summer school options, so a child’s educational and social needs are well met. The language of instruction is English, so there not the need for a sharp learning curve regarding language acquisition, which helps a child settle in smoothly and continue his/her learning. International schools are also cognisant that they are working with an expat community who desire an instant community with the opportunity to make a new social circle easily, thereby making the transition far easier.

Nevertheless, a parent’s job may have a longer contract so that the family could live in the country for five or more years. Sometimes, in these instances, parents believe that a local school and exposure to the local language and people are essential to integrating within the local community and making deep roots. They wish their child to have a more authentic experience of the country and its culture. This decision can provide better long-term prospects for a child. Parents coming to Denmark often place their children in a Danish school as there are well-resourced language programmes to support with the learning of a difficult language and, consequently, a more diverse educational path as the options after a student has completed school in year 9 are plentiful in Denmark. The child also can access ‘free’ education, so the burden of school and university fees is not a worry.

"An international school follows a world-known curriculum, such as the Cambridge programme or the PYP, MYP, or DP programmes, which ensures a better chance of continuity for a child on their learning journey."

Philosophy and people orientation

All schools, in the same ways as businesses, are founded and operate along a mission statement which guides the way by which they function. These are not meant to be empty words but a driving force that sets the tone and atmosphere within the building and a way of being by those who work there. As mentioned before, some schools pride themselves on their academic status, while others have plentiful resources and can offer all the possible modern innovations which can deliver the most exclusive and unique learning experiences. There are also schools that may not have these accolades and, instead, have a strong emphasis on a child’s well-being, individuality, and being ‘quirky’ so everyone, students and teachers alike, can be themselves and grow in their own unique ways.

Happy selecting!

Though school selection can be challenging and perhaps stressful, there are many options, and there is always a school that fits the bill for every family.