Choosing a school - checklist

List schools to consider

Make a list of schools near your home and any others you might want to consider. A good place to start is the Find a school search tool.

When deciding which schools to consider, here are some practical things to think about and discuss with your son or daughter:

• What schools are their friends going to?
• Are there any schools that family or friends have recommended?
• How will your child or teen get to and from school? Is there a safe route to walk or cycle, or is someone available to pick them up? Or will they be catching a school bus?
• Will your child be able to meet up with friends after school? If your child is under 14 will they need to be supervised before and/or after school?

  If you need help to identify schools in your area, or a particular type of school, you can contact the Education Review Office (ERO) or your local Ministry of Education office.

• Does the school have a uniform?
• What are the costs to attend the school?
• Is there a school zone and do you live in it?

List your education priorities

Your priorities may vary depending on your child or teen’s talents and needs. What are you prepared to compromise on, and what are your `must haves'?

Here are some examples of priorities that you might see as important:

• A strong emphasis on a particular curriculum area of interest to your child or teen, eg music or sport
• Additional support for special needs or talents. For example, your child or teen excels at maths or is learning English as a second or additional language
• a bilingual unit or Māori language schooling
• particular subjects offered at senior level which support your child’s career or academic aspirations.

Make a shortlist

Based on your priorities, narrow down your options to one or two schools. Then, to finalise your choice:

• talk to other families whose children go to those schools
• look at the ERO reports for the schools - available online at www.ero.govt.nz or contact ERO
• request each school's enrolment information, eg enrolment package, information booklet, prospectus and check out their websites
• visit each school with your child or teen. You could make an appointment to talk to the principal or take a walk around the grounds during the weekend. You'll get a feel for the school and see what facilities are available
• attend the schools' open days or information evenings
• for secondary only, check out NCEA results for the schools by visiting NZQA website

Taking the time to choose the right school together will benefit your child or teen in the long-term – both for their education and general wellbeing.

Notes

In New Zealand, it is against the law to leave children under 14 without making reasonable provision for their care and supervision.
More information is available on the Child Youth and Family website.

You can download and print this information as a fact sheet below.