We come across so many ads saying “Best CBSE school in Bangalore,” or “Best ICSE school in Bangalore,” but in reality, what makes a school best?
Here is my takedown on 10 points which make a school best (and surprise, CBSE or ICSE do not figure as a reason):
Quality of teachers
More important than the infrastructure & the management, is the quality of teachers a school has. And it’s no surprise! Depending on the age of a child, a child spends 80-100% of his / her time with the teacher. And quite a few children end up making their teacher their role model. A competent & empathetic teacher is far more important than any other facet of the school. Quality of teachers makes a school best; not CBSE or ICSE.
The Principal
You need to know how good the school is? Meet the principal & understand what are her thoughts on education, what does the management feel about education & also what does she do personally to ensure that the school’s vision & mission are achieved. The implementation of holistic learning & vision of the management rests with the principal. Best CBSE / ICSE school is going to be the one where the management & principal are aligned.
Balance academics & extracurricular
Every child is different. So is every parent’s expectation from their child. So shouldn’t you select a school which aligns with your expectations? And this is the biggest mistake parents make: selecting the school for what a school is rather than selecting a school which they need. Have your expectations clear first. Visit a few schools personally & then decide. Most schools will speak to you; negatively or positively. Best CBSE / ICSE school for someone else might not be the best CBSE / ICSE school for your child.
The distance of the school from your home
Very important. However good a school is, do not select one which is very far. I keep a thumb rule of 45-50 min travel max (one way). With increasing traffic, if your child travels an hour & a half everyday while going to the school, it would surely start reflecting on his / her health / focus. If your child is in pre primary, he / she should ideally not travel more than 30 min one way.
Infrastructure
Today’s children are very different from what we were. During our schooling, we all had a big ground where we could just run around. In today’s world, children want to be exposed to various indoor & outdoor activities. With economic upliftment of the society, only the basics will not suffice. Today’s schools need to have good infrastructure like a swimming pool, basketball court, skating rink & possibly football & cricket grounds. Some schools just focus on academics only; others in holistic development of the child. Today’s best CBSE / ICSE school should have good infrastructure too. What do you, as a parent, want for your child?
Academic development is fine, but is physical development also happening?
Children today are leading a sedentary life & this will keep increasing in the future. After coming home, a lot of children do not wish to go out. Mobile & TV just adds to this complication. It becomes all the more important that schools are providing opportunities to today’s children to move around & ensure that their gross motor skills are not compromised. A school which gives children the opportunity to run around, play games & remain active is very important.
Have the courage to say no to what others feel
I see a lot of parents selecting a school where a lot of children go. “At least I will not be blamed if something goes wrong as thousands of other children go to that school.” This is a sure shot disaster. You need to first understand your expectations from a school, understand your child & then select a school based on meeting those expectations. As I have said earlier, the best CBSE / ICSE school for someone else might not be the best CBSE / ICSE school for your child.
Research
Just like a ton of research while selecting a mobile phone or a house, do a lot of research on the schools. It’s a decision that will not only impact your children but you too. For 15 whole years! Go through reviews, meet other parents at the bus stop, talk to children in the society & definitely visit the schools personally. If you do this, you would surely select the “right” school for your child, because the “right” school is the best school.
Don’t ignore your gut feel
While visiting many schools, few may speak to you; some negatively, some positively. Your gut feeling may suggest something. Do not ignore your gut feeling. It is important.
Guiding children on the right path
Does your “best CBSE school” guide your child in the right direction of his / her career? A school’s job should not only be to take care of the child when the child is with the school but also prepare him for the future. A school should guide a child on the career path which aligns with his / her passion & strength. Today’s schools are going beyond & adding value. Parents should surely expect this from the new age schools.
Happy schooling to your child!
– By Dr. Sawal Das Jethani