Choosing a School for Their Child

As their child turns three, Rahul and Priya visit a few schools, comparing facilities and teaching approaches before making their decision.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, School principal

Key words and phrases

admission processthe steps required to enrol a child in schoolThe admission process starts in January.

curriculumthe subjects and content taught at a schoolThey compared the curriculum of both schools.

facilitiesthe buildings, equipment, and services providedThe school has excellent sports facilities.

teacher-student ratiothe number of students per teacher in a classA low teacher-student ratio means more attention for each child.

extracurricular activitiesactivities outside the regular academic curriculumThe school offers many extracurricular activities.

campus toura visit to see a school's buildings and facilitiesThey took a campus tour before deciding.

fee structurethe breakdown of costs charged by a schoolThe fee structure includes tuition and transport.

nearbyclose in distanceThey preferred a school nearby their home.

holistic developmentgrowth in academic, physical, and emotional areas togetherThe school focuses on holistic development.

decisiona choice made after considerationThey made their final decision after visiting three schools.

syllabusthe topics covered in a course of study for a term or yearThe teacher shared the syllabus for the year.

board (school board)the educational authority that sets exams and curriculum standardsThey chose a school affiliated with the CBSE board.

waitlista list of applicants who may be admitted if a spot opens upTheir son's name was put on the waitlist.

interview (school interview)a short meeting to assess a child before admissionThe child had a short interview with the principal.

uniformthe standard clothing students must wear to schoolThe school uniform includes a blue sweater in winter.

commutethe journey between home and school or workThe daily commute to school takes twenty minutes.

reputedhaving a good reputation or being well-regardedThey wanted their child in a reputed school.

affiliatedofficially connected to a larger organisation or boardThe school is affiliated with a national board.

parent-teacher meetinga scheduled meeting between parents and teachers to discuss a child's progressThe first parent-teacher meeting is in October.

shortlista smaller selected list chosen from a larger group of optionsThey made a shortlist of three schools to visit.

Useful sentences

Ask Can we take a campus tour before deciding?
Answer Yes, of course, I'll show you around.
Ask What is the teacher-student ratio here?
Answer We maintain one teacher for every fifteen students.
Ask What extracurricular activities do you offer?
Answer We offer sports, music, art, and dance classes.
Ask Can you explain the fee structure?
Answer Sure, it includes tuition, transport, and activity fees.
Ask When does the admission process begin?
Answer It starts in January for the next academic year.
Ask Which board is this school affiliated with?
Answer It's affiliated with the CBSE board.
Ask Is there a school interview for such young children?
Answer Yes, it's just a short, friendly interaction.
Ask How long will his daily commute to school be?
Answer About twenty minutes by the school bus.
Ask Have you shortlisted any schools yet?
Answer Yes, we've narrowed it down to three.
Ask What if we get put on the waitlist?
Answer Let's also apply to our second choice, just in case.

Dialogue

PriyaWe're looking for a good school for our son. Can we see the facilities?

PrincipalOf course, let me take you on a campus tour.

RahulWhat is your approach to holistic development?

PrincipalWe balance academics with sports, art, and music equally.

PriyaThat sounds wonderful. What's the fee structure like?

PrincipalI'll share the complete details with you before you leave.

RahulWhat about the uniform and other requirements?

PrincipalYou can collect the uniform list from our office counter.

PriyaAnd how often are parent-teacher meetings held?

PrincipalWe hold them every term, so you're always updated on his progress.

Common mistakes

Saying "take admission in school" instead of "get admission to a school" or "enrol in a school."
Saying "school have good facility" instead of "the school has good facilities" — facilities is usually plural.
Saying "visit the campus tour" instead of "take a campus tour" or "go on a campus tour."
Saying "school is affiliating to" instead of "the school is affiliated with."
Saying "put in waitlist" instead of "put on the waitlist."
Saying "give interview" instead of "attend an interview" or "have an interview."

Quick quiz

1. What is a "teacher-student ratio"?

2. Activities outside the regular academic curriculum are called ___.

3. Complete: "The school focuses on ___ development."

4. What does it mean if a school is "affiliated" with a board?

5. A smaller selected list chosen from a larger group of options is called a ___.

6. Complete: "Their son's name was put on the ___."

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