Parents today are more informed, involved, and purposeful in regards to the education of their children than at any other time in history. As parents become increasingly exposed to international educational standards, digital learning opportunities, and holistic development trends, parents also expect schools to do more than just teach students using textbooks and classroom instruction. Understanding what parents expect of schools, as an educator or edupreneur, especially one looking to establish a new school model such as Podar Smarter School, can help build credibility with parents, increase student enrolment, and ultimately create a more valuable learning experience.
The following are the top expectations that modern parents have from schools, and why they matter.
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1. Academic Excellence with Future-Ready Curriculum
Parents today are looking for schools with solid foundations in academics but also with an emphasis on preparing their children to be successful in an ever-changing world. They seek schools that will provide them with the following:
- A curriculum aligned to NEP 2020
- Learning through concepts rather than rote memory
- STEM, coding and digital literacy.
- Assessments that regularly evaluate students’ level of understanding, not just their grades.
Schools that implement evidence-based, research-driven teaching models, such as Podar Smarter School, instantly build parent trust.
2. Holistic Development Beyond Academics
The expectation of modern parents is for education to also be responsible for developing children into complete individuals. Parents are looking for:
- Development in sports, arts, music, and life skills
- Personality development through various activities
- Learning opportunities through collaboration and creativity
Holistic development is not an option; it has become a critical factor when considering which school to apply to.
3. Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive Environment
Parents consider the safety of their children to be among the most important factors in choosing a school. They want:
- A safe and secure school campus
- Safe and monitored CCTV cameras
- Staff and counsellors trained in dealing with students
- A zero-tolerance policy towards bullying
When a school demonstrates that they have created a safe and supportive environment for its students emotionally and physically, the school builds strong parental loyalty and trust.
4. Strong Communication and Transparency
Schools are expected to keep parents updated in “real time” about what their children are learning, how they are behaving at school, and which school activities they are participating in. This can be achieved through:
- Ongoing communications between teachers and parents
- Clearly communicated reports on students’ academics
- Parent-school communications via apps and ERP systems
Podar Smarter School offers all of its students’ access to a number of digital technologies that enhance the partnership between parents and the school.
5. Technology-Enabled Learning Environment
Increasingly, parents want schools to utilize technology effectively (not simply as a tool) to create a supportive environment for learning. Parents expect to see:
- Smart classrooms
- Digital content, e-learning tools, etc.
- Blended learning models
- Teaching based on data
The adoption of technology sends the message to parents that the school is contemporary, forward-thinking, and focused on the future.
6. Qualified and Continuously Trained Teachers
Parents believe that quality educators will shape their child’s educational experience. Parents want to see quality educators who are well-trained, caring and current on best practices. Parent satisfaction is higher in school districts which have invested time, money and effort into professional development of their staff members.
7.Value-Based Education and Life Skills
In addition to academic achievement, parents today desire that their children receive values-based education (respect, empathy, discipline, etc.) while developing life skills including communication, leadership and emotional intelligence.
8.Affordability with High Value
In addition to quality education, parents also want an affordable pricing structure that offers clear value. School which provide students with excellent outcomes, modern, safe facilities and a comprehensive program at a price point that allows parents to feel good about their investment, retain those students and build positive word-of-mouth.
Conclusion
Building a new and successful school will rely on understanding the expectations of parents and the current educational environment. As both educators and edupreneurs, we need to align our schools with those expectations if we want to differentiate ourselves from other schools. With Podar Smarter School’s academic structure, use of technology, and the strength of its brand reputation, franchisees can provide parents with what they are truly seeking out in an educational setting.
Also Read: Fostering Success with Parent-Teacher Partnership at Podar Smarter Schools