Choosing the school that is best matched to your child can be a difficult decision, especially if you’re located in a place like Singapore that’s known for having a wide selection of high-quality educational institutions. To make the best decision, you need to have a keen understanding of what your child’s needs and goals are, as well as a set of requirements that your ideal school should be able to meet.
If you want to inculcate a cosmopolitan perspective into your children, for example, then it’s a great idea to enroll them in an international school in Singapore like Stamford American School, where they can develop an appreciation for different cultures and values at a young age. Considering that the school recently received the silver award for the Best International School at the 2021 Singapore Education Awards, you can rest assured that your child has access to a world-class education in this academic institution.
On top of selecting the right school for your child, you also need to keep an eye out if your child is able to adjust well to their new surroundings, and if they are able to make the most of the features and facilities that made you consider the school in the first place. Below are some of the signs that your child is thriving in their new academic environment and that you chose a school that can match your child’s particular needs.
Your Child Talks Positively about the School and Looks Forward to Attending Their Classes
One of the best ways to determine if your child is able to adjust well in school and that it is offering them adequate support is directly asking them about it. If your child likes their new school, then they’re likely to talk about its positive aspects and the experiences that they look forward to every time they have classes. If your chosen school has a program that’s designed to help students adjust to their new school environment, ask your child about it and what the program is doing right. When your child is excited about going to school and learning their lessons, then it’s a sign that they like the experience and the school can foster an environment that is conducive to learning.
Your Child Remains Curious about Existing Interests and They Are Able to Discover New Ones
Schools in Singapore offer a vast selection of co-curricular activities (CCA) that help nurture the interests and strengths of their students. Perhaps one of the reasons why you chose your child’s school is because it offers activities and specialized programs that are connected with your child’s current interests. Is your child enjoying and being challenged in the said program in their new school? Does it help them foster their interest in their favorite subject or activity? Or perhaps, enrolling in the school has enabled your child to discover new interests and activities? If the answer is yes, then it’s a good sign that the school is able to support and sustain your child’s natural curiosity for the world around them.
Your Child Is Able to Approach School Lessons Independently and Advance at Their Level
Another indication that the school is matching your child’s needs is that they are able to approach their lessons with confidence and independence. This can be seen by your child’s attitude toward completing their homework and projects, and their excitement to learn new things and to put them to practice. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your child finds their assignments easy; it’s more that they are able to develop an appreciation for the lessons that they are tackling in school. At the same time, you should also notice improvements in your child’s reading and other academic skills. Each child has a unique academic journey, and if a school is able to match your child’s skills and help them advance to the next level, then you made a good choice when picking schools.
Your Child Has Positive Social Interactions and Is Able to Make New Friends
Aside from your child’s academic achievements, you should also be able to notice improvements in their social skills. Your child should be able to make friends and have positive interactions with their teachers and classmates. These everyday experiences can make school more enjoyable for your child as well as make them look forward to coming to class. Ask your child about their friends in school. If they have a positive social experience, then you shouldn’t have a hard time hearing stories about their peers and the activities that they did together.
Adjusting to a new school can be a difficult time for both parents and children, but a good school should have a program that will help ease their students to their new learning environment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your child, their teachers, and the school administration if you want to see how your child is doing. It’s also an option to volunteer at the school from time to time to see how your child is thriving in the school that you chose for them.