Choosing a new school? Here's how to make the most out of campus visits

Class size is important when considering any school no matter where you are in the world. Are teachers entrusted with a reasonable number of students or are they overburdened? Smaller class sizes allow teachers to spend more time with the individual needs of each student and develop challenging, engaging coursework and teaching approaches. Ask to sit in on a class to observe a teacher in action.

Turnover can be quite high at international schools – many teachers are on an international school circuit of sorts, spending two to three years and then moving on to explore other destinations in the world. While this is to some extent unavoidable for schools, it’s also worthy considering whether teachers are incentivised and invested in by the institutions you are considering.

What percentage of teachers are qualified to teach in their home countries? What certifications does the school require of its educators?

Are students engaged and attentive? Do they seem to be happy on campus? Do they participate actively in classroom discussions or have they checked out?

What is the feel on campus? Do students treat each other respectfully and with kindness? Is it socially accepted to genuinely enjoy studying and take pleasure in learning or is it considered ‘uncool’? Are there cliques or is the student culture open and welcoming?

Who are the other parents at the school? Whether for school functions, study sessions or weekend playdates, you’ll be spending a lot of time with the families of other students. Beyond that parents can have a big voice into the direction of the school, what is prioritised and where funds are spent. Plus these are the people who are shaping the children your kid will be spending much of his or her time around. In terms of getting more insight into the school, see if you can connect with a few different parents to see what they like and dislike about their experience with the institution.

A big part of the decision, naturally, should come from your child. Set aside some dedicated time after each visit to discuss what their impressions and gut reactions to the school were and make some notes that you can refer to when weighing all the factors and options.

What IB or AP courses are available? What kind of electives are offered? What about extracurriculars? Are there competitive sports available? What’s the college counselling like? Are there community service opportunities?

Finally, what’s the hardware of the school like: do the facilities support your child’s interests? What kind of equipment does the computer lab offer? What is the school library like? Are the fields, gym and other sports facilities fully equipped? What resources are offered for music and the arts? Is there an air purification system throughout the school?