There used to be a saying that if you had a watch you knew the time, but if you had two watches then you weren’t sure.

The dilemma of choosing the right school

This dilemma faces most parents when choosing the right school for their children. Many are not sure of what constitutes the best option for their child’s education.

A few weeks ago we discussed the diversity of schooling options available to families in NSW. From state schools (including selective high schools, primary schools with OC classes). And the full gamut of private schools. Many of these options involve great expense to the families and in various cases, deliver inferior results to cheaper options.

The burden

The most expensive schools are private schools. Many of which have strong religious affiliations, in some instances, costing parents in excess of $1000/week per child. Where money is no object such expenses can be accepted, but what benefit does the average middle class parent gain from making such a strong financial commitment to their child’s education? So, is this the best return on investment?

A further burden introduced by having a range of options available to parents is the time and money involved in increased travel costs associated with excising an option to choose any school that is not the most conveniently located. And, the family and the Australian taxpayer frequently share the extra travel cost burden.

What is the best option?

So then, choosing the right school, what is the best option. I must confess that I believe that the best option is the nearest state funded school. Evidence shows, that while Finland (1) , which has no private schools, and where every student attends the nearest state school, has an education system far superior to Australia based on international educational results. Thus, the time and money saved by exercising this option maybe be better targeted while at the same time providing better long term educational benefits for the student. Finland has proven this scenario.

1 “In November 1968 parliament finally enacted legislation, by a substantial majority, to create a new basic education system built around a common,
comprehensive school for grades 1-9.”

See link: https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/46581035.pdf page 119

See : The Weekender  ( Page 60)