choosing a school

The school I chose was one Id been too, and was the closest one, but it was an easy choice because a lot of her kindy friends were going there, I already knew it had a good reputation and on visiting , it looked like a good school ,there were plenty of teachers on the playground and the classes weren't too large . I considered a couple of others , but this was the one that appealed most to me, and so far, 3 years later, its still good

Decile rating can mean a number of things, not particularly how good the school is. It's based on the socio-economic makeup of the residents in the school zone as well as other factors. The lower the rating, the more govt funding for resources, and vice versa. You get diff issues depending on that (generalising WAY too much here ) but usually there are more behavioural issues due to poor homelife, not being fed at lower deciles (1-3 sort of thing) BUT at higher deciles you get things like stuck up parents fighting over stupid things, the kids get an over-the-top sense of entitlement etc. So it doesn't mean too much.

Also check out the ERO reports, it will give you an idea of what the school was doing well in at the last report and what their next steps are for teaching and learning.

Other than that, ask to see the school charter (available from the office or online - should have goals for up to the next 10 years for student learning etc), check room sizes, where the school leads on to and if you're in that zone too (if you plan on staying at your place until intermediate/high school), what programmes they have in place for special needs (either lower or higher achievers) if that applies etc.

You can generally get a bit of a feel for a school by just spending a bit of time there too.

We went for the local school, had hear good thinks about, did a walk around & DS1 has been there 4yrs & is happy there. DS2 will start in the new year & DS3 the year after + 2 cousins also go.

I don't know about intermediate yet but have another 2 yrs to think on that one. High school I will go for one that will suit my kids needs so will be more fussy there.

I'm considering sending Leonard (although it's just a tiny bit early ) to the local school. Although it's local (and I keep thinking that this area is a bit rough) *IYKWIM*, they always seem to be in the local rag for different things like sporting achievements and new initiatives so I'm thinking why not? Plus DH went there as did yours, I'm guessing and I think that it'd be nice.

We really struggled with this. Have a decile 10 school twominutes walk away but I was also keen on looking at a catholic school but that was a 10 minute drive away. We know he will go to Wellington College so I also had to think that if he went to the local school then most would be going to the same college but if he went to the catholic school then only a few would probably go to Wellington College. We decided on the catholic school and so far everything is going well. Was it the right choice, don't know but he is happy and has settled in and we are pleased with it. Good luck!

Keira is going to be going to the school just across the road from us. Luckily I know its not a bad school (I went there for a while as a kid). Most of Keira's friends from Kindy (on the other side of the road) will be there too and from the ones that have already moved up I have heard not bad things.

go to your local one - that way they/you can walk to school. Also helps with playing with friends after school and being part of the local community.

Visit the school - dont just go on what other people say. Visiting gives you the best feel.

Its never too early to think about.

Also check to make sure of schools in your area are zoned as that would limit your choice.

Every school has their pros and cons - its all about what feels right for you and your family