The parent knows the child's temperament, personality, ability, talent, special needs and the little quirks and foibles which make him or her unique individual whom you care (and worry) about so much. Choosing the most suitable educational environment is probably one of the most significant decisions you will make on behalf of your child. This book, the first of its kind in India, provides information to help weigh the available options.

Your Child's needs

At secondary level, the choice of a school probably looms large in a child's mind too. He or she may have firm opinions, perhaps based on where friends are going. Discuss it together. Try to get your child thinking in terms of his or her own needs which may be quite different from someone else's. Talk to your child's teachers. They will have much to contribute and will be able to make certain recommendations. However, they cannot make the decision for your child. Begin by considering these points:

?What are your child's academic abilities?

?What is he or she interested in?

?What are the things he or she is particularly good at?

?What are the things he or she struggles with?

Do these need to be remedied?

?Is your child creative? In what way?

?Does the child show any sporting talent?

?What personality, strengths and weaknesses does he or she have?

?What kind of school environment would your child respond to?

You're Needs

The school environment will have a considerable influence on your child, so it is reasonable to expect the values promoted by the school to at least approximate your own. You need to work out what you want from a school before asking what a school has to offer. Values don't mean moral and religious values. The word can also refer to a range of social issues such as the school's attitude to affirmative action for girls, or even something as mundane as the nutrition available at the school mess or canteen. If it's important to you, it's not mundane.

There are also practical points to consider, such as your willingness (or lack of it) to be involved in school related activities. Have you the time to participate in travel arrangements?

How much time and energy are you prepared to give to the school?

Some schools expect a high level of parent involvement, others less. If you have more than one child, are their needs quite similar or are they likely to attend different schools? If they are, demands on your time will be multiplied.

What different schools offer

you will use various sources of information to find out what different schools have to offer? This book is merely a starting point. Contact the schools you're interested in and get the current information from their latest prospectus