By Michelle Green, Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria  Independent schooling in Victoria goes back more than 150 years. Today’s independent schools, young and old, are dedicated to excellence in education and they are enabling young Australians to meet the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

Parents have the right to choose where their children are educated and parents are making an informed choice, with independent schools educating over 113,000 students at 213 independent schools in Victoria.

Independent schools in Victoria increase the choice in education by providing a range of programs, philosophies and educational opportunities. Each family has a set of values they live by – religious or philosophical – and the school you choose to educate and nurture your child through their formative years should complement those values.

Parents are sending their children to independent schools because they want education to be a holistic experience. They want the school to help the young person to grow morally, intellectually, creatively, socially and culturally.

This is why independent schools do not simply measure success in terms of academic performance. They take a broad view of education and provide different pathways for students depending on individual talents, interests and aspirations.

It’s a Partnership

The best way to choose a school is often through a partnership between parents, children and the school. Because of the choice available, most parents take time to shop-around often with their children, who in many cases have considerable input into the final selection. These parents are practising what they preach: the need to recognise each child's individuality.

Attending open days at a range of schools – single sex and coeducational, religious and non-denominational, small and large – enables parents to decide what school suits their child best. Whether it is a school with a community of faith or an excellent languages program, parents should ensure the curriculum suits their child’s needs.

Parents can also contact schools to arrange a visit, which is one way of getting a sense of the attitude and culture of the school. Parents appreciate a school that allows them to enter into an active and genuine partnership with teachers and the Principal in the education of their children. It is important to them that the school is accessible and accountable.

Schools communicate with parents in different ways and parents need to know how and when they will be contacted, particularly regarding student assessments and reporting. Parents should check what opportunities are available to them to be involved in the school, such as the parents’ association or volunteering.

To find the right school parents and children need a clear understanding of individual needs. Ultimately, the school that you choose must be able to engage your child, and commit to their potential and learning needs.

The AISV website, www.ais.vic.edu.au, can help parents with this process.

Checklist for Choosing a School

Here are a few suggestions to start your list for selecting the right school:

• Find out whether independent schools on your short-list provide financial assistance to students and their families through bursaries and scholarships.
• Check whether there are additional costs for textbooks, uniforms and excursions.
• Assess whether the schools meets the social, philosophical or religious values that are important to your family.
• Ask about the school’s plans – is it considering changes that may affect your decision, such as different teaching methods or school philosophy.
• Determine how the school deals with issues such as specific learning needs, conflict resolution and social issues.
• Investigate whether the curriculum caters for different learning types.

This article has been reproduced with the permission of the Association of Independent Schools Victoria.

Links:

http://www.ais.vic.edu.au/

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