Selecting the Best Fit International School For Your Family #3

How many students are in the international school?

This is particularly of concern for parents of high school aged children as the number of students in a school may affect the number of subject choices offered at higher levels. For example, if there are only 30 students in the graduating class, then the school will have to limit the number of subjects being offered to make it cost effective. For example, a small international school may not have the numbers of students to run both business studies and economics. Or may not have the numbers to run maths higher, maths standard and maths studies. This can often affect profit and non-profit making international schools alike.

Additionally, the number of students in the school can affect the number and type of extra curricular activities offered, and therefore your child’s opportunities to experience team sports and other activities that are usually run after school.

One feature of international schools is the transitory nature of both the students and the teachers. The effect of a new student joining a class or a student leaving may be more deeply felt if there are only a handful of students in the class or year group.

When a school has a large number of students, this can also mean that the school is more likely to have a well-stocked library, well-equipped laboratories, up-to-date computer equipment and outdoor activity areas. This is usually true of larger international schools simply because there is a larger pot of money from which to fund these facilities.

On the other hand a school that has thousands of students, while usually offering a wide variety of subjects and activities for students, can often be an anonymous place for children. It is up to you to decide what a good balance is for you and your family.

Choosing the right International School.