Many parents face this dilemma. The choice isn’t easy, and there are compelling reasons for both. But sometimes, the decision boils down to what you can get.
Let’s say you have the luxury of choice. How would you choose?
My Personal Experience
Gargi and I had to decide when our daughter, Sara, was just over four. We chose a traditional school for her. It’s a no-frills, nestled-in-the-lap-of-nature kind of school that believes in keeping its students grounded. It may sound like empty rhetoric, but there’s more to it.
A few weeks before we chose our daughter's school, I had the opportunity to speak to Manisha, a former colleague, who sends her children to the same school. What she said confirmed what I had read and heard. She told me her children feel they have enough and are grateful for that. She believed the school had a key part to play in the way her children think.
I know that the way Manisha’s children think will not be the same for all students in the same school, but it gave me an excellent reason to consider it.
The school my wife and I chose was relatively close to our home. The new-age school had far more amenities and a tech-enabled medium of instruction but was five times the distance.
That was seven years ago. How would we choose now?
This topic would interest all parents on the cusp of choosing their child’s school. So here goes:
The Case for New-Age Schools
New-age schools offer an engaging learning environment where students understand concepts more deeply. Manish, a colleague who shifted his children from a traditional to a new-age school, shared an example to illustrate this point. He said his children now understand arithmetic better because the new-age school uses Jodo Gyan to explain the concepts.
Manish shared another insight to elaborate on his point. “The new-age schools also allow flexibility for children to learn at their own pace,” he said.
Those who advocate for new-age schools believe they bring a more personalised learning experience. They argue that such schools focus on understanding concepts rather than relying on rote memory. This approach helps students apply what they learn in real-life situations, making education more relevant and engaging.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Another big differentiator is the range of extracurricular activities. New-age schools offer a broader choice of disciplines besides the regular curriculum. Though traditional schools have art, music, and sports, the range and extent to which a child can indulge in and hone extracurricular skills in new-age schools is much greater.
Arguments Against Traditional Schools
High Workload and Pressure
Critics of traditional schools argue that these institutions are not in sync with the changing world. They often burden children with heavy school bags and cram too much information early on, leading to a stressful and unproductive learning experience.
Students in traditional schools often face higher workloads and expectations. Parents are consumed by their children’s education, helping with homework and projects. This pressure can be overwhelming for both the child and the parents.
The Case for Traditional Schools
On the other hand, some argue that traditional schools prepare children for the real world from the beginning. These schools are particular about rigour and discipline, conditioning children to cope with pressure early on. Proponents believe that experiencing stress early on helps children develop resilience and adaptability, essential traits to cope later in life.
Traditional schools teach children to handle pressure and meet high standards that are part and parcel of the real world. This preparation can benefit students facing competitive exams and demanding careers later.
Traditional schools instill discipline and a strong work ethic. Children learn the value of hard work and are habituated to perseverance, which can lead to long-term success.
The Economic Factor
Besides the educational philosophies, there’s also the economic cost to consider. New-age schools are expensive and out of reach for many families. The cost of education for two children could set you back by a lakh per month, which is prohibitively expensive for the middle class.
While the wealthy can choose between new-age and traditional schools, the economically less privileged have little or no choice. Some state governments have mandatory quotas for economically weaker sections in private schools, but the numbers are small.
An Expert's Perspective
I met a leading educationist with over thirty years of experience in traditional schools who now consults for new-age schools. Delighted to find someone with rich experience in both worlds, I asked the million-dollar question.
Unwilling to be drawn into the debate between where should one send one's child, she said, “What matters most is the home environment, which profoundly impacts the child.” When I asked her what advice she would give to parents struggling to choose between new-age and traditional schools, her answer was simple: “Choose whatever works for the child.”
The Best Choice for Your Child
Choosing between a new-age and a traditional school is a significant decision for parents. Both have merits and drawbacks; the right choice depends on your child’s needs and your family’s circumstances.
Whether you opt for a new-age or traditional school, remember that the home environment is crucial to your child’s development. Creating a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where your child can thrive and instill values that will guide her throughout her life is what you can do as a parent.
Ultimately, the best school meets your child’s unique needs and helps her grow into a well-rounded, happy individual. So, take a deep breath, weigh your options, and choose the right path for your child.
About Me
I am a thinker at all times. I see, I think. I hear, I think. I read, I think. Every weekend I write. I would love to know what you think.