What sets one Secondary School apart from another?

Public, Private or Catholic, a parent's head must certainly spin when it comes time to select a great secondary school for their eager teenagers. Such incredible responsibility and so many choices! Even if every parent has their own set of ideas and requirements, nobody should panic. Finding a secondary school is really not that much difference from choosing previous schools. Many of the same rules apply.
Finding a prime secondary or high school for Years 7 - 12 raises several vital questions, most of which will help determine the parent's or guardian's final school choice.

• How far is the school located from home?
• Does the school provide transportation?
• What is the school's philosophy or mission statement?
• What are the enrollment fees and what other expenses can be expected during the school year?
• How does the school handle student discipline and safety?
• Can the institute meet the individual needs of all students?
• What are the class sizes?
• What is the drop-out rate and how many students successfully complete year 12?
• Is their technology current and how is it implicated to support learning?
• How well does the school score when it comes to the national curriculum which was developed specifically to ensure high academic standards in Australian schools?
• Do they offer special programs and extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, drama and more?
• How diverse is the school? Are international students allowed?
• How do they accommodate children with disabilities, social, academic or emotional difficulties? Is counseling available?
• Are parents kept informed and how frequently?

A school is mainly judged by its reputation. Parents will gladly refer a school if their children reached high levels of academic achievement, received an abundance of individual care and were offered a wide range of learning, social and communal opportunities. In addition, an innovative and well structured curriculum includes a vast array of enrichment, extension programs and first-rate, well equipped facilities.
In a vibrant education community, students feel eager to explore their curiosity and are encouraged to develop their talents and skills to the fullest. They feel secure and appreciated, and look upon their school as a second home. It is the safe haven where they find opportunity for growth, be it through their daily classes, or after-hour in- or outdoor activities and programs.

At an elite secondary school students will not only be prepared for life's daily challenges, but will also be introduced to the next levels of education. Successful, motivated students will not infiltrate the work force after they graduate, but will continue on to college, university, or other extended learning programs.

The best way for parents to begin their research on any educational institute is to check them out online. Most facilities offer many pages of detailed information, virtual tours, selected enrichment programs, their curriculum, enrollment information and more. Some websites will also include a gallery with pictures and bios of teachers and support staff, as well as their facility buildings and grounds.

When the final decision has to be made, parents should remember that, regardless of whether a school is government, independent or Catholic, they are all required to abide by the same national curriculum frameworks. This means that all the other features a school has to offer will make the difference!

School Select is Australia's premier school directory. School Select specialises in all types of schools in including secondary school, primary schools, private schools and even driving and music schools. Article distributed by SHOUT SEO: www.shoutwebstrategy.com.au