Choosing the right high school for your child is like selecting the right map for an adventure; the path you choose will shape the journey and guide them toward their destination. When considering how to choose high school for your child, it’s important to think about the school environment and all aspects of your child’s high school education. The decisions you make will influence their learning experience, development, and future success.
High school is a time for personal growth, identity exploration, and laying the foundation for future college and career success. When thinking about school choice, careful consideration is crucial—especially if you’re contemplating moving your child from primary school to secondary school or between private schools. In this blog, we’ll explore five crucial factors to consider, along with practical tips to help you select the right school for your child.
How to Choose High School for Your Child: Balancing Academics, Extracurriculars, and Values
Choosing a high school is about more than just academics. You want a school that supports your child’s growth, offers a variety of extracurricular activities, and aligns with your family’s values. Here’s five things to consider when picking the best school for your child.
1. Academic Programs
Academic excellence is often at the top of the list for parents when choosing a high school. Consider the curriculum offerings available and whether they align with your child’s academic needs and interests. Programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or IGCSE offer students a chance to engage in challenging coursework that prepares them for university-level studies and future careers.
At SPH, we offer both the IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE, two internationally recognized curricula that focus on developing critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application.
The IB program emphasizes academic rigor and holistic development, while IGCSE provides a strong foundation for students who may want to pursue a variety of academic or vocational pathways. Both programs ensure students are not just prepared for university but also equipped with skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
2. Growth Beyond the Classroom
High school is also about exploring passions, discovering new talents, and developing well-rounded character. Extracurricular activities play an essential role in your child’s growth. Look for a school that offers a variety of sports, student-led clubs, arts programs, and community service opportunities. These activities can help your child build leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience, while also providing a well-balanced and enjoyable high school experience.
Programs like sports teams, student-led clubs, community service projects, and leadership initiatives allow students to explore their interests outside of academics, while also developing vital life skills and fostering a sense of belonging in the school community. This is a crucial aspect of the school’s culture.
3. School Culture and Community
A positive, supportive school culture is essential to your child’s high school experience. It’s important to evaluate whether the school offers a safe environment where students are encouraged to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Student-teacher relationships are also crucial. Teachers should be approachable and invested in students’ successes while fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and academic integrity.
For instance, here at SPH, our educators prioritize building a supportive community where students are valued and supported at every stage of their academic journey. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide personalized attention, and our emphasis on student-led initiatives empowers students to take on leadership roles within the school.
Whether through service projects or student councils, our students have opportunities to build leadership skills in an environment that values character and respect. These are the types of things that can really shape your child’s school day and experience.
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4. College Counseling and Guidance
Navigating the college application process can be overwhelming, but a school that offers robust college counseling and guidance can make the process much smoother. You will want to look for a high school that provides personalized college and career counseling, helping students explore their options and navigate the often complex application process.
A dedicated college counseling team that supports students throughout the application process, from researching potential universities to preparing application materials and scholarship opportunities, is key.
We also offer guidance on career pathways, ensuring that students not only understand their options for higher education but are also prepared for success after graduation. This support will guide your child through the important decision-making process of choosing a high school and help them make future educational decisions, whether it’s about attending public high schools or looking into private schools.
5. Values and Philosophy
Your child’s high school experience should align with your family’s values, especially when it comes to character development, discipline, and faith. Many parents seek a school that shares their faith-based perspective, ensuring that their child’s education is consistent with their moral and ethical values.
As a Christian international school, SPH integrates faith into all aspects of education. Our students are encouraged to grow in wisdom and character through a biblically-based curriculum and a community that emphasizes compassion, integrity, and service.
Our mission is to help students not only excel academically but also develop a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them in all aspects of life. This is an important factor when deciding on the best school for your child.
Practical Steps to Make an Informed Decision
When it comes to choosing a high school, the decision can be overwhelming. To make sure you make the right school choice for your child, follow these practical steps to gather all the information you need. Here’s a breakdown of how you can approach the decision-making process:
1. Visit the School and Attend Information Sessions
One of the most important steps in choosing the right school for your child is to visit the school in person. Attending open houses, school tours, and information sessions gives you the chance to observe the school environment firsthand. If you’re considering Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH), make sure to check sph.edu/openday for the latest Open Day schedules, so you can experience the atmosphere and programs directly.
During your visit, pay attention to the overall atmosphere—does it feel welcoming and safe? Is the environment conducive to learning? This is your opportunity to get a sense of the school’s culture and whether it aligns with your family values.
Information sessions also provide valuable insights into the curriculum, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities that the school offers. You’ll have the chance to ask questions directly to school representatives about what makes the school unique and how it supports students in their academic and personal growth.
2. Research the School’s Website and Publications
After visiting the school, take time to explore the school’s website and other publications such as newsletters or brochures. These resources offer a comprehensive view of the school’s offerings, including academic programs, extracurricular activities, and community initiatives. Be sure to review the curriculum details to see if it aligns with your child’s academic goals and learning style.
Check if the school offers specialized programs like the IB Diploma Programme, AP courses, or other options that might interest your child. Make sure you are also aware of the school’s culture, its approach to discipline, and the values it promotes. This is an essential step to ensure that the school’s philosophy and approach to education resonate with what you envision for your child’s learning and development.
3. Talk to Current Students and Parents
A great way to understand what a school is really like is to speak with those who experience it day-to-day: current students and parents. If possible, reach out to other parents and students to ask about their experience at the school. You might also want to ask about the school day, the school’s culture, the level of support provided by teachers, and how students interact with each other.
Talking to others who are familiar with the school can provide valuable insights into the school environment that you won’t find in official documents. Current students and parents can offer perspective on things like extracurricular activities, school clubs, social dynamics, and whether students feel supported both academically and personally.
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4. Consider Your Child’s Individual Needs and Long-Term Goals
Every child is unique, and their learning style, interests, and goals should influence your decision-making process. Consider what your child needs to thrive academically and personally. Does the school provide the right academic rigor to challenge your child and help them grow? Does the school offer extracurricular activities that match your child’s passions and interests, whether it’s sports, the arts, or leadership opportunities?
It’s also important to think long-term. What are your child’s goals after high school? Does the school have a college counseling program that will support them through the college application process? Will the school challenge them in ways that push them toward their full potential? These are critical questions to ask as you weigh your options.
Choosing A School that Partners with You
Choosing the right high school for your child is a significant decision, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on key aspects like academic programs, extracurricular activities, school culture, values, and student support services, you can make an informed choice that sets your child up for success—both academically and personally.
At Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH), we offer a well-rounded high school experience that prepares students for university and beyond, while nurturing their spiritual growth and providing a supportive, Christian-centered community. Our expert Admissions counselors are here to guide you through the decision-making process, offering personalized consultations and campus tours to help you understand all that SPH has to offer.
Explore how SPH can help your child thrive in every aspect of their life—academically, socially, and spiritually. Visit us at sph.edu to learn more and discover the abundant opportunities available. Additionally, parents can take advantage of our Breakthrough Scholarship Program for students entering Grades 7-11, with applications open from July to August each year.
Ready to start your child’s journey with us? Learn more about our scholarship at sph.edu/scholarship and discover how SPH can be the perfect fit for your child’s future!
And if you’re looking for the best International Kindergarten in Jakarta to start your child’s educational journey, SPH is also proud to offer an exceptional early education experience. Visit us today to find out more about how we can shape your child’s academic and spiritual growth from the very beginning.
