While school open house events can offer a treasure trove of information for parents, their experience can easily turn into an overwhelming deluge of details that lead to even more questions and concerns. Academic programs, cocurricular opportunities, homework policy, vision and mission, facilities, course offerings — these are just a few of the many important puzzle pieces parents need to consider to assemble a complete picture of which school is best for their children. 

To help ease their journey, Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) Admissions Manager Kathleen Ngkaion advises parents to sit down together, or even with their children, and have a reflective discussion both before and after the open house. 

“Even before registering for an open house, before starting their search for potential schools for their children, parents should have a clear, shared understanding of what they value as a family in terms of educational approach, environment, and practices,” Ms. Ngkaion says. “A helpful first step is for them to come up with a list of questions — not for the school but for themselves. These questions can serve as a guideline to help them stay focused.”

While she encourages parents to tailor the list to their own needs and goals, she offered up six examples of questions they can ask themselves before and after attending a school open house:

1. How do the school's mission, vision, and values align with mine?
2. How does the school community — from the leadership and teachers to students and staff — make me feel?
3. Do they offer the courses and activities my child is interested in?
4. Do I agree with their practices and philosophy on teaching, learning, assessments, and homework?
5. How is this school different from my child's current school? What did I like or dislike about my child's previous school that I'm looking to change?
6. What are my goals for my child's education and how has the school demonstrated its ability to help us achieve that?

 

How do the school's mission, vision, and values align with mine?

Whether shaped by cultural background, upbringing, research, or experience, many parents have their own established set of beliefs when it comes to education, especially for their children. Meanwhile, research has shown that school communities whose vision of teaching and learning are well-aligned are better able to move forward effectively while doing their respective parts in advancing this vision (Brookings 2021).

Therefore, choosing a school whose approach aligns closely with your own beliefs can help ensure a cohesive and supportive learning environment that will only benefit your children.

“Really listen to what the administrators, principals, and teachers are saying about their teaching and learning practices, their philosophies about teaching, and why children at their school learn the way they do,” Ms. Ngkaion says. “Listen to these beliefs and philosophies and see if they align with your expectations.” 

How does the school community — from the leadership and teachers to students and staff — make me feel?

Ms. Ngkaion underlines that when choosing a school, parents are not just deciding on a brick-and-mortar setting for their child’s education; they are also deciding on a community for their entire family. 

“[Parents] should also be thinking about what their family needs and what their family wants [...] because the school becomes your community […] There's no such thing as a perfect school, but with a lot of research and a little bit of time, you will find a school that is the perfect match for your child and for your family,” she adds.

Furthermore, with your child spending much of their time at school, a supportive and welcoming school community is integral to their social-emotional well-being. Consider the warmth and inclusivity you feel during your visit, Ngkaion advises. Pay attention to interactions between faculty, staff, and students to measure the overall atmosphere.

 

Do they offer the courses and activities my child is interested in?

The importance of keeping students engaged and interested for maximized learning has long been emphasized and is proven to be essential to both personal and academic success (Harackiewicz, Smith, and Priniski 2016; Christison 2013). In other words, it’s important to not only allow but also encourage your children to pursue their interests so that they may explore their potential and challenge themselves.

So, after attending an open house event, study the variety of courses and extracurricular activities available to students. Does the school offer both academic and non-academic programs that align with your child’s hobbies? 

“You can even bring your child into the discussion, show them the school’s brochure or information booklet, and ask them what they would be interested in pursuing,” Ms. Ngkaion adds.

Most of all, ensure that the school provides a diverse range of both academic and cocurricular opportunities for a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.

 

Do I agree with their practices and philosophy on teaching, learning, assessments, and homework?

There is no one definitive approach to teaching and learning and all the essential, supporting tools that come with it, such as homework, assessments, and overall pedagogy. While some schools avoid assigning homework at the elementary level, others start as early as kindergarten with small tasks; some schools lean heavily on paper-based testing and letter/number grades, while others believe in the value of formative/summative assessments and standard-based grading.

“Parents should learn as much as possible about a school’s practices and philosophy to decide whether they agree with them or not,” Ms. Ngkaion says. “Of course, complete agreement is neither feasible nor realistic, but parents should approve of the school’s general approach to teaching and learning to help foster a cohesive educational experience for their child.”

Agreeing with the school’s practices and philosophies can also create a stronger school-parent partnership, reduce confusion or misunderstandings, improve communication, and lead to greater engagement for both the student and parents.

 

How is this school different from my child's current school? What did I like or dislike about my child's previous school that I'm looking to change?

Reflecting on your child's current or most recent school experience helps identify specific aspects that you appreciate and those you would like to see improved. This question allows parents to address their concerns and expectations with regard to their children’s education, which will, in turn, help them better identify what they wish for them to experience in their new school. 

“Remember that your priority is your child’s continued growth and development, so it’s important to choose a school that can meet their evolving needs,” Ms. Ngkaion points out. 

To help with their decision-making process, parents can compare and contrast the schools’ curriculum and assessment methods, school culture and environment, and cocurricular activities and resources. 

 

What are my goals for my child's education and how has the school demonstrated its ability to help us achieve that?

“If you haven’t yet set clear, achievable goals for your child’s education, do so before the open house event and review them afterward while going over the school’s various offerings — academic courses, cocurriculars, facilities, pathway programs, and so on,” Ms. Ngkaion advises. “Are they able to support these goals?”

For example, if you expect your child to eventually continue their education in your home country, make sure your native language is included in the school’s modern language program. To attend college in the United States, your child would greatly benefit from taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the SATs. For a greater chance of being accepted into a European or Australian university, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme would be better suited.

“Most importantly, ensure the school is able to nurture your child’s talents, challenge them, and help them reach their full potential.
 

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To find out if JIS is the best fit for your children, join our upcoming open house events for a tour of our campuses and facilities, and learn about the comprehensive range of learning programs we have to offer from both JIS students and school leadership. Space is limited, so sign up here to save yours.

• High School: Monday, February 5, 4-5:30 PM
• Early Years & Elementary: Monday, February 12, 9:30-11 AM
• Middle School: Tuesday, February 20, 9:30-11 AM