Blog

Deciding which secondary school your child will attend is a critical point in their education. The following five important factors are points every parent should consider when choosing a UAE secondary school.

1. The school’s vision: Usually, the headmaster or principal directs the school in a particular direction, so pay attention if you get a chance to hear them speak. If they seem like a good leader and are someone who strives for carefully considered progress, take that as a good sign. A principal who seems like they have a good rapport with the teachers and students and is aware of the school’s everyday workings is most likely a trustworthy, caring, and involved director of the educational environment. 
2. The care and maintenance of the facilities: Always take a tour of the school to get a first-hand look at the facilities available. Make sure to visit the areas where students will be playing sports or taking computer lessons to get an accurate idea of what the school offers and how well they are maintained. A good school will provide students with labs, as well as plenty of spaces for extracurricular activities, and well-maintained and clean classrooms and washrooms. 
3. An environment dedicated to learning: If you can visit the school whilst classes are in session, then you’ll get a good picture of how learning really happens for students. Try to look at the classroom through a student’s eyes. Is it intimidating or encouraging? If there’s anything up on the walls such as students’ work, that’s usually a sign of encouragement. A messy pile of paperwork shouldn’t be the first thing you see on the teacher’s desk, and students should have enough space to do their work for every subject neatly and comfortably. 
4. Using technology wisely: The best International schools in Dubai use technology in the classroom in a way that supports a learning objective. See if teachers are finding innovative ways to keep students engaged with the curriculum through modern technology. Also, check whether there is a system in place that allows you to track your child’s progress and/or review their work. 
5. Strong communication between parents and teachers: It’s extremely important that teachers at your choice of school are willing to listen to your concerns about your child and can communicate with you if there are problems at school. Parental engagement at school is proven to be a factor in student success, so being able to get involved in the school community is critical to your child’s academic success.