We may move within Kolkata and the commute to the current school would become unrealistic. Academically both schools follow State board. I am more worried about friendships and confidence. Parents who switched in primary school, how long did settling in take?
Talk to parents with children already in the grade you are entering, not only parents from preschool. Homework and communication style can change a lot in primary classes. We changed our approach after about a month because the first plan was too hard to sustain.
Talk to parents with children already in the grade you are entering, not only parents from preschool. Homework and communication style can change a lot in primary classes. We are in Ahmedabad and this came up for us last year.
I would keep at least two backup options until the admission is formally confirmed. Timelines can overlap and waiting for one school made us unnecessarily anxious. The biggest surprise was that the practical routine mattered more than the option that looked best on paper. The commute piece changed our final shortlist more than expected. I would still test it for a short period before making a long commitment.
Do a second visit on a normal working day if the school allows it. Open-house days can feel very different from the everyday atmosphere. We changed our approach after about a month because the first plan was too hard to sustain. We found this out only after doing a second school visit. In our house, the practical routine mattered more than the ideal plan.
This is close to what my spouse is suggesting too. I may have been overcomplicating it. I would still verify it with the school for the current academic year. We are in Kolkata, so local logistics may be a little different.
Interesting — we had assumed the opposite. Helpful to hear a first-hand experience. I would still verify it with the school for the current academic year. Your child's response may be different, but this was our experience.
Same here. The logistics are what make the 'ideal' option difficult in real life. I would still verify it with the school for the current academic year. We made the change gradually rather than all at once.
Do a second visit on a normal working day if the school allows it. Open-house days can feel very different from the everyday atmosphere. We changed our approach after about a month because the first plan was too hard to sustain. We found this out only after doing a second school visit. I would still test it for a short period before making a long commitment.