For some parents, the range of boarding school options on offer is daunting. With more than 30 schools in one location at some of our Expo sites, there is a lot of information to digest. Our Checklist of questions to ask schools when you are trying to make a decision about your child’s education is proving very popular.
Some of the questions we have suggested are aimed at getting people to think about the day-to-day logistics that will impact on their lives and how well their children settle in to the boarding school routine. We suggest questions like:
Is the school close to public transport for sporting activities and other outings?
Is the school easy for us to visit as a family or for family and friends who may take my child out for the weekend?
Are there other facilities close by that the school uses for after school and weekend outings?
We also challenge you to think about the impact of technology and what facilities and access will be available to your child in these quickly changing times. For example:
Will your child have access to a mobile phone; Are there computers in the boarding house; and How is internet usage monitored?
Parents should also think about how each school communicates with parents and how often you will be able to talk to or have contact with your child.