By Liz Perelstein
Summary:
Most families moving abroad find choosing the right school a major factor in the relocation's success. Yet few know how to begin to approach the school search.
Most families moving abroad find choosing the right school a major factor in the relocation's success. Yet few know how to begin to approach the school search. Increasingly a child's first school has been the culmination of considerable effort, with young parents determined to place their children on a path to success by enrolling them in an Ivy-prep program starting in nursery school.
Whether parents have chosen their children's school by default or spent years strategizing about "getting in," they often feel that the rug is pulled out from under them when all prior effort is wasted, and they need to learn the rules governing education and school admissions in a new country.
In a new location, parents don't know how to assess criteria pivotal to making an informed choice, including:
- Quality
- Reputation
- Transferability of curriculum
- Ability to assimilate newcomers
- Parental involvement
What's important?
Each family has different values, and every child is unique. Before thinking about schools parents should identify their key criteria as well as the most pressing needs of the child.
Parents should be asked:
- How far are you willing to travel?
- Are you committed to an international school or would you consider a local one? Why?
- How would you feel about having your child study in a new language?
- How important to you is curriculum continuity? For this move and for repatriation?
- Do you believe that the transition must be minimized or do you view education as the total experience, greater than schooling?
These questions will guide the family's approach, and help them decide whether they want international, local, public, or private, religious or non-denominational schools.
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About the Author
 Elizabeth Perelstein, President of School Choice International, is a seasoned educator who founded School Choice International as an expatriate in London over a decade ago. School Choice now has 90 consultants in 50 locations worldwide, throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.
In 2006, Liz co-founded the British International School of New York, the first British curriculum school in the New York metropolitan area. She frequently writes and speaks on topics related to education, relocation, and women owned businesses.
Prior to founding School Choice International, Liz was a teacher, an educational administrator, County elected for two terms on a public board of education, and worked at all levels of education, from nursery school through university. Liz holds two Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Public Policy from the University of Chicago.
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First Published: Oct 11, 2008
