Choosing the right primary school for your child is one of the first right steps in securing their future. At the primary level, your child is still in the early stages of development, meaning they need an environment that nurtures and guides them in the right way. This underscores the importance of their character development and interaction skills. In addition, strong student-teacher relationships are key, as a good teacher equals a good student. At the end of the day your child needs a holistic experience, so here are the important factors to take note of while looking for that good primary school.
Supportive and conducive learning environment
The administration and staff are the sum of a school’s environment, pay attention to how they treat you and other parents. Interact closely with teachers that could potentially be your child’s teacher if you were to choose that school. Gauge them through conversation, trigger their mind, and understand what their views and priorities are. In doing so, you will have a feel of what the teachers have to offer and the kind of environment you are considering for your child.
Apart from the staff, a conducive learning environment also entails the structure of the school. How is the arrangement of the class? The learning environment must stimulate the senses of the learners. Is the classroom dull? How many learners are in a class? A congested class for any learner deprives them of the intimate connection between their fellow learners and the teacher. Does the school have extracurricular facilities? Is there a football pitch? Does the school have a dining area? All these aspects contribute to the development of a holistic, open-minded and creative child.
The Perfect Curriculum
Some children need more attention than others. As a parent, you must understand your child inside out—from their likes to dislikes, to their weaknesses and strengths. This will ensure that whatever school you choose, your child will fit in perfectly and be groomed to perfection (or something close to that). An educator named Matt Homrich-Knieling mentions that a school’s curriculum is the foundational component of a school. He also asks key questions; Does the curriculum target the skills and concepts in which students need extra practice? Does the curriculum allow flexibility for differentiation and in-depth practice?
A school’s curriculum is fundamental in strengthening a child’s strengths and addressing their weaknesses; it’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In addition, the curriculum can shape the way a child expresses themselves. Homrich-Knieling goes on to say that when the curriculum is aligned with students’ academic needs, the impact on learning can be incredible.
Cost and Affordability
Contrast and compare the school fees of the various schools you visit. Note that some schools will be more costly than others, but lack certain services that the more affordable ones have in plenty. Case in point an expensive school might have good facilities (like a swimming pool and in-door badminton court), but handle their parents and children very poorly. On the other hand, a more affordable school might lack certain facilities, but their staff is fully dedicated to serving both the children and their parents. As a parent, it is important to consider quality education over pretty buildings or affordable fees.
Consider any other additional expenses such as uniforms, club fees, textbooks, and transportation. Having all your expenses clearly outlined helps you stay alert, organised, and aware of your financial commitments.
Academic Performance
Research the school’s academic performance and ask about it. Strong academic performances indicate that the school attracts high-calibre students, has qualified teachers, and is dedicated to their work. Remember that your child’s educational journey has a Domino effect, whatever happens at one stage will most likely affect what will happen in the next. If your child’s performance at primary level is promising, there is a high chance that the trend will continue (under the right guidance) and lead to the right doors opening for them.
A school that aims for excellence will instil that same mindset in your child. Because your child is surrounded by people who do not settle for less, they will be encouraged to reach beyond the stars.
Location, primary schools near you?
The school’s location is prime. It affects how quickly you can reach the school in case of an emergency or when visiting your child. A convenient, accessible location is beneficial for parents. Location further plays a crucial role in creating a conducive learning environment. A school in the heart of a city, surrounded by distractions and noise, can’t compare to one on the outskirts or on a large, quiet property that fosters a peaceful setting for learning.
Sometimes, parents send their children to distant boarding schools to get them in line. Sending your child to a school 50km away from everything they are familiar with, could help center them. Or give them that rude awakening. Good location feeds into convenience and safety.
Security (Child Safety)
A very important aspect to consider as a parent looking for the best primary school for your child is security. Is the neighbourhood around the school safe? And if it isn’t, is the school well-guarded? If your child is a day scholar, who is in charge of ensuring they arrive at school on time and at the end of the day get home on time? Be warned parents—people can be hard to trust. Always keep your child’s safety in mind. Never disregard their safety by saying the van will drop him/her. Confirm!
A few years ago, at a primary school, a child was dropped off as always by the designated Boda Boda guy. The child was handed over to the school Askari (Security Guard), and surely anyone would think that was the right decision. However, with no teacher or authority figure in sight to fear, the Askari took advantage of the child.
Prevention is always the best approach, so parents take extra caution. If your child complains about a teacher, listen. If a child feels any sort of discomfort, address it. If your child has changed in any way, find out why. Be involved at every step of the way.
With cases of bullying on the rise, does the school have policies that help curb this problem? What are their emergency responses and child protection policies (that is if there are any)? While this may seem extreme, it’s necessary for your child’s safety and well-being.
Now that we have looked at the key components to take note of while searching for a good primary school, here are some highly recommended primary school suggestions within the city and on the outskirts that you can start with.
- Namugongo Girls Boarding Primary School
- Cleveland Hill Primary School
- Francis Day and Boarding
- Seeta Boarding Primary School
- Hill Preparatory Primary School
- Kabojja Junior School
- Kampala Primary Junior School
- Cornerstone Junior School Mukono
- Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School
- Global Junior School Mukono
- Gems Cambridge International School
- Hormisdallen Schools
- Mbuya Parents’ School
Remember that Primary School is primary to a child’s development. UNICEF believes that primary education “is the foundation upon which the rest of a child’s education is built. It’s a critical period of cognitive, social and emotional development…” So prioritise your child’s education.
