School Guide

Find a school from a distance

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Oct 28, 2013
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Whether going across the state or cross country, one of the biggest stressors that can send parents over the edge is finding a new school for their child. The following steps will help you make the best long distance choice:

Make your wish list

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Clarify the kind of school you – and your child – are looking for. You probably have "must-haves" that will help narrow your search.

Coordinate your school and housing decisions

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Some people find a school that they like and then find an apartment or house in the vicinity. Others do it the other way around.

Connect with other parents

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Every parent knows that other parents are the best source of school information, so put the word out about your move as soon as you can.

Use online school resources

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• Schooladvisor.my; your first stop – of course! Our site will give you information for private and international schools in your new town or city.

• School websites; some sites include contact information for Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) officers, so you can contact parents directly to talk about the school. You might even find photo slide shows or videos, which will give you a virtual tour of the school - the second-best thing to being there.

• Other online resources; many schools now have Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, and if you "like" the school on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates about events and other school news. Do a Google search on the school and consider setting up a Google news feed, so you’ll get news about the schools you’re considering. Look on YouTube as well. Many schools post videos by students, parents, or the school itself.

Seek out local resources

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• Real estate agents are often an excellent source of school information.

• Look on the website of the local newspaper or city magazine for articles about the schools on your list.

• If you already have a new job in place before your move, put an email blast out to your future colleagues asking for their recommendations on the best (and worst!) schools - and even tips on how to get in.

Contact the schools

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Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few schools, contact each one directly. Have a list of questions ready for the school principal or administrator. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about not strictly academic issues, such as, "How does your school handle bullying?" or "Which after-school clubs are most popular?"

Ask school administrators to recommend a parent or two who could talk with you about the school.

Have a back-up plan

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Be sure to have a back-up plan in case the school you choose doesn’t work out. Narrow your list to two or three schools and enrol your child in your top-choice school, if you can.

Final details

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If you have a school lined up, check with the school and ask what paperwork they'll need in advance of your arrival, such as school transcripts and current immunisation records.