As the Head of School at Keystone, education is not just a profession for me—it’s a passion and a commitment. When it came time to find the right school for my daughter, I knew the importance of making a thoughtful and informed decision.
The Online Search: Discovering New Possibilities to Find the Right School
Our process began with basic online research, using such tools as the OurKids platform. This initial step opened our eyes to numerous schools that we were not previously aware of. The convenience of the internet allowed us to gather a wealth of information about different educational institutions, their programs, philosophies, and values. Each school presented a unique approach to education, which made our decision both exciting and challenging.
School Tours: Seeing Schools in Action
After narrowing down our options, the next step was to book school tours. Visiting schools in person provided invaluable insights that could never be fully captured online. During these tours, we met with school teams, observed classrooms, and witnessed the daily operations. These visits allowed us to see the schools in action and gain a deeper understanding of their environments and cultures.
Defining Our Priorities
As we visited more institutions in our attempt to find the right school, we began to crystallize what was truly important for our family. We wanted our daughter to develop critical and creative thinking skills, have a global perspective, and be confident, well-rounded, independent, caring, happy, challenged, and encouraged. These qualities became our guiding principles as we evaluated each individual school.
Finding Alignment: Observing the Environment
To determine if a school’s philosophy aligned with our values, we paid close attention to various aspects of the school environment itself:
- Student Work on Display: The presence of student work in the corridors was a significant indicator for us. It demonstrated the school’s commitment to celebrating student achievements and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their work.
- Staff and Student Demeanour: Observing the demeanour of both staff and students provided insights into the school’s culture. We looked for signs of happiness, inclusivity, and a supportive atmosphere.
- Classroom Set-Up: The way classrooms were set up spoke volumes about the school’s approach to learning. We looked for environments that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Extracurricular Activities: Beyond academics, we considered the range of extracurricular activities available. We believe that a well-rounded education includes opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom. Schools that offered diverse clubs, sports, and arts programs were particularly appealing to us.
- Community Engagement: The level of community involvement was another important factor. We valued schools that encouraged students to engage with their local communities through service projects, partnerships, and events. This not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a sense of responsibility and global awareness.
Making the Decision
The journey has been thorough and sometimes overwhelming, but it is essential to ensure that our daughter will thrive in an environment that nurtures her development in the ways that matter most to us. As the Head of Keystone, I am hopeful that my daughter will join us when she reaches Grade 7. Our school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and challenging environment aligns perfectly with our family’s values. I have seen firsthand how Keystone encourages students to think critically and creatively, and I am excited for my daughter to potentially experience this as well.
Finding the right school for your child is a journey that requires time, effort, and careful consideration. For us, it was about finding a place where our daughter could grow into a confident, well-rounded individual, equipped with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world. This experience has been enlightening and has underscored the importance of finding a school that truly aligns with our family’s educational philosophy and values.
