Every parent wants the best possible education for their child, and choosing a school to enroll their child is one of the important decisions they make. The school that you choose for your child will have a huge influence on their overall development. So, choosing the right school will be rewarding for you and your child's future.
As schools are mushrooming in the country, finding the best fit for your child is most relevant than ever. Many factors to be considered, and careful planning is a must while selecting the school. This blog is written to help you to choose a great school for your child.
School education in Nepal
History
Schooling in Nepal can be traced back to ancient times when the Nation's privileged citizens used to get knowledge from home education or Gurukuls. However, the modern schooling system started in Nepal when Rana Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana established Durbar High School in 1854 AD after his visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to teach the members of the ruling family. Sources say that Jung Bahadur Rana was embarrassed by not being able to communicate in English.
The establishment of Durbar High School marked the start of modern education in Nepal. Although Dev Shumsher established some schools in the country before being dethroned from the post of Shree Teen Maharaja (Prime Minister) by his brothers, education was still a privilege for all Nepalese citizens.
With the dawn of democracy in Nepal, educational institutions were finally opened to the general public. Nepalese Education is a three-tier education system from Primary School to University, which was inspired by the Indian Education System, which was in fact adapted from the UK (then British East India Company).
Current State
According to the Educational Act of Nepal the Schooling in Nepal comprises of two levels:
- Basic Level Education (BLE)
- Secondary Level Education
1. Basic Level Education (BLE):
The Basic Level Education (BLE) spans from Nursery to Grade 8. The Basic Level Education is bifurcated into two Levels: Primary (From Grade 1 to 5) and Lower Secondary (From Grade 6 to Grade 8). The students are also required to give Basic Level Examination (BLE) in Grade 8.
2. Secondary Level Education
The Secondary Education in Nepal comprises from Class 9 to 12. Students are required to pass the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Grade 10, conducted by the National Examination Board, Nepal. After completing SEE, students can opt for 10+2 programs, A levels, Diploma/ Certificate Level programs, etc.
Apart from regular school, there is a provision for vocational and technical education in the Nepali education system. Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) offers more than 51 Diploma/Certificate/ TSLC programs in Nepal. These programs are skill-oriented and aim to recognize the different skills, passion, and expertise of the students at an early age and prepare them for work.
After the completion of secondary level, students can enroll in various Universities of Nepal and abroad.
Before Basic Level Education, toddlers are enrolled in Pre-School, which sets the foundation for formal schooling. It spans from Play Group to Upper Kindergarten (UKG).
Factors to be considered while selecting the school
1. Location
The location of the school is important while selecting the school for your child. Decide whether you want your child to attend the school from a walking distance from your home or drive your child to school or use the school's transportation system. Ideally, the closer the school, the better.
2. Visit potential schools
Each parent should research the schools for their children. You can also find reliable information about schools along with their contact numbers and location at Edusanjal. Apart from finding information related to schools online, parents must visit the school whenever possible.
During those visits, please examine the school's infrastructures like Playground, Classrooms, Bathrooms, etc., along with the pedagogical practices. You can also ask the related questions to school personnel to get in-depth information. The more you learn about the schools, the better decision you can make. Don't leave any questions unanswered.
3. Consider the education quality
You can not ignore the academic part while choosing the school. Compare the ranks/ GPAs etc., of that school with another school, also try to find out how their best students have performed in higher education. Remember that GPAs are not sole determiners of academic excellence, so consider a broader array of indicators while examining the education quality.
Ask for recommendations!
You may have known many people who have enrolled their children in these schools. You can ask them about the education quality of this school, but do trust your instincts.
4. Teachers do matter
William Arthur Ward says, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires". The connection between the child and the teacher matters the most in learning, especially in school. Good teachers can expedite the learning process among their students.
5. Consider the finance
Suppose 'X' School is the right fit for your child but enrolling your child in this school triggers financial complications for the whole family.
Should you proceed forward?
Probably not. As there are thousands of schools across the country, you can easily find the proper alternative which will be the best for your family and your child.
Many middle-class parents hesitate to enroll their children in Governmental and Communal schools. Many communal schools in the country are imparting quality education even compared to the reputed private schools.
6. Consider the infrastructure
It is always a great idea to send your child to schools with excellent infrastructures. The state-of-the-art facilities like well-equipped labs, resourceful Library, well-ventilated classrooms, and playgrounds will enrich the school's academic environment and contribute to the holistic development of the Children.
Having said this we are not denying the fact that creative and hardworking students will perform well in any pedagogy.
7. Curriculum
Here in Nepal, the schools offer education in different curricula of different Boards like the National Examination Board (NEB), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, CBSE, etc. Ensure what courses/subjects (both core and elective) are being taught in these programs and which curriculum will be best for you and your child.
8. Apply to the short-listed schools for admission
Once you select the best school(s) for your child, apply to those schools. In most of the schools, your child has to give an entrance examination for admission, and admission will be given according to the merit list. We request you to apply for more than one school because in case your child is denied to enroll in the school of the first choice, he can still opt for other schools as well.
9. Do not forget to apply for scholarships
Almost all schools of Nepal offer attractive Scholarships to the needy and deserving students. Many of these scholarships go unclaimed every year. Reach out to the School Management, ask them if they have provisions of scholarships, and apply wherever possible. As they say, "Early bird catches the worm," avoid the last-minute rush and apply as early as possible.
As they say, "Home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers." Enrolling your child in the right school is another stepping stone for your child in the journey of thousand miles. Best of luck!
