10 signs it’s time to change your child’s school

BY FABMUMNG

Choosing the right school for your child is a vital decision that can impact their academic development. However, sometimes circumstances change, and what was once the perfect fit may no longer be suitable.

Let’s delve into the signs that indicate it’s time to consider changing your child’s school.

1. Are The Child’s Grades Consistently Suffering? 

If you notice your child’s grades are consistently suffering, or they need more challenge, or if your child is consistently earning high grades without much effort or engagement, it’s crucial to take action.

These signs should not be ignored, as they could indicate the need for a change in your child’s school.

Look out for also :

– If they must be encouraged to take advanced courses or participate in challenging projects.

– Also, check if they express boredom or disengagement due to the ease of the curriculum.

– If the school’s teaching style or curriculum needs to be aligned with your child’s learning needs or preferences.

– If you’ve noticed a need for progress or growth in their academic skills or knowledge.

Then you may consider changing your child’s school. 

2. Are There Social Concerns

Is your child facing issues of bullying, lack of friends, or social isolation?

If your child is experiencing physical, verbal, or cyberbullying that the school is not effectively addressing, or if they’re being consistently targeted, harassed, or intimidated by peers.

Furthermore, other indicators maybe if your child is excluded or ostracised by their peers.

Suppose they’re experiencing social anxiety or stress related to school if they’re not feeling a sense of belonging or connection to their school.

Would a different school offer your child a more supportive and inclusive environment?

Then, explore other school options prioritising social-emotional learning, inclusivity, and student well-being.

3. Are There Signs Of Anxiety

Find out if the child is going through stress, or having a decreased enthusiasm for learning like the below:

– Increased worry or fear about attending school

– Avoidance behaviours, such as skipping school or refusing to participate in activities

– Increased irritability, mood swings, or emotional reactivity

– Difficulty concentrating or completing homework due to anxiety

– Loss of interest in favourite subjects or activities

– Lack of motivation or engagement in schoolwork

– Decreased curiosity or love for learning

– Feeling disconnected from the learning process.

– Expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness about school.

Remember that a child’s emotional health is crucial for their development and success.

If their emotional needs are not being met, it may be time to explore alternative schools.

Also, we suggest that you schedule a meeting with the teacher or school administration to discuss your concerns and potential solutions, or better still, explore other school options that prioritise emotional well-being, social-emotional learning, and student support.

4. Check School Curriculum And Teaching Style

Consider the school’s curriculum and teaching style to see it it no longer aligns with your child’s needs or your values.

Here are some signs that a school’s curriculum or teaching style may not be the best fit for your child:

– The curriculum is too limited or lacks diversity or depth.

– The teaching style must be more flexible and traditional, accommodating different learning styles or needs.

– The curriculum needs to focus more on standardised testing, leaving little room for creativity or critical thinking.

– The curriculum needs to provide adequate opportunities for hands-on learning, project-based learning, or real-world applications.

– The teachers could be more engaging, enthusiastic, and supportive.

– Teachers must use technology effectively or incorporate modern tools and resources. 

Then, are there other schools that offer a more comprehensive, engaging, or flexible curriculum? That is when you should consider a change of school!

5. Poor Communication With Teachers Or Administrators

Firstly, parents should consider  joining the PTA or attending school board meetings to advocate for improved communication and parent involvement, but in a situation where this isn’t forthcoming, like:

– Feeling left about important school events, deadlines, or changes.

– Difficulty scheduling meetings or getting face-time with teachers or administrators.

– Feeling like your concerns or questions need to be taken more seriously.

Due to these, other schools prioritising parent-teacher communication and collaboration should be considered. 

Other concerns to look out for include: 

6. Safety Concerns

Some other safety concerns to watch out for are bullying, violence, or unsatisfactory campus security.

7. Extracurricular Opportunities

Check if there is limited or no access to activities that foster your child’s interests.

8. School Culture

Find out if there is a toxic or unsupportive environment that affects your child’s self-esteem.

9. Distance And Logistics

Also, you need to consider whether a new location or changes in work schedule will affect your ability to take the child to school. 

10. Can School Support Child’s Unique Learning Style

If the school can’t accommodate your child’s unique learning style, that may just be a tip you need to consider changing the child’s school. 

Remember, changing schools can be a difficult decision, but sometimes it’s necessary for your child’s growth and well-being.

Really, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate this process.

Get more parenting resources here.