Choosing a private school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. With countless options across Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, and Migori, how do you know which school will be the best fit? In this guide, we provide a comprehensive checklist of what to look for and questions to ask.
1. Academic Excellence & Curriculum
Start by understanding the school's curriculum and academic performance:
- Which curriculum? Is the school offering Kenya's CBC system properly? Ask for evidence of teacher training and curriculum implementation
- Academic results: Request the school's exam performance data. Don't just look at pass rates, look at how many learners excel, and in which subjects
- Value-added: Ask about learner progress from entry to exit. A good school shows clear growth
- Co-curricular balance: Ensure academics aren't at the expense of co-curricular programme opportunities such as sports, arts, and character development
2. Teacher Quality & Student Engagement
Teachers make or break a school. During visits, observe:
- Class sizes: Smaller classes allow for individual attention. Aim for no more than 30 per class
- Teacher engagement: Are teachers actively teaching, or just lecturing? Do learners participate in discussions?
- Teacher qualifications: Ask about teacher training credentials and professional development
- Retention: Do teachers stay at the school? High staff turnover is a red flag
3. Infrastructure & Facilities
What to look for: Science labs with equipment, a functional library, sports facilities, and adequate classrooms. Visit the bathrooms, kitchens, and water supply areas, these reflect the school's overall standards.
- Are labs equipped for actual practical work or just decoration?
- Is there reliable electricity and water?
- Are sports facilities well-maintained?
- Is the school clean and safe?
4. Safety & Security
Your child's wellbeing depends on a safe environment:
- Physical security: Are there secure perimeters, and is access controlled?
- Supervision: Are there enough staff supervising children during breaks, mealtimes, and activities?
- Child safeguarding policies: Does the school have written policies on child protection? Do staff undergo training?
- Health protocols: Is there a clinic at school with qualified staff?
- Emergency procedures: Does the school have fire drills and emergency protocols?
5. Leadership & Management
A strong principal sets the tone for the entire school:
- How long has the principal been at the school?
- What's their vision for the school?
- How accessible are school leaders to parents?
- Does the school have transparent financial practices?
6. Boarding Facilities (if relevant)
If considering boarding:
- Tour the dormitories, are they clean, well-lit, and adequately furnished?
- Meet the housemasters/matrons. Do they seem caring and professional?
- What's the meal plan? Is nutrition considered?
- What support is available for homesick learners?
7. Parent Communication & Engagement
Good schools keep parents informed:
- How often do you receive updates on your child's progress?
- Are there regular parent-teacher conferences?
- Can you easily reach teachers or the principal with concerns?
- Is there a parent association, and are parents involved in school decisions?
8. Character & Values Formation
Education isn't just about grades:
- What values does the school emphasize? (e.g., integrity, excellence, compassion, service)
- How does the school teach these values in practice?
- Is there emphasis on community service or social responsibility?
- What's the school's discipline approach? (punitive vs. restorative)
9. Cost & Financial Transparency
Understand the full financial commitment:
- What's included in tuition fees? (uniforms, meals, transport, activities)
- Are there hidden costs or surprise charges?
- Does the school offer scholarships or flexible payment plans?
- What's the refund policy if circumstances change?
10. Community & School Culture
The best schools have a positive, inclusive culture:
- Do learners seem happy and engaged?
- Is there diversity among learners, or is it homogenous?
- How does the school handle bullying or social issues?
- Do learners feel a sense of belonging?
The Practical Steps: How to Evaluate Schools
Step 1: Request Information & Data
Contact shortlisted schools and ask for:
- School prospectus and strategic plan
- Academic performance data (exam results, learner progression)
- Staff profiles and qualifications
- Fee structure and payment terms
- Testimonials from current and past parents
Step 2: Visit the School
A school visit tells you more than any brochure. Observe:
- Cleanliness and maintenance
- How staff interact with learners and visitors
- Student behavior and engagement in classes
- Overall atmosphere and energy
Step 3: Talk to Current Parents
If possible, connect with parents whose children attend the school. Ask:
- Are they satisfied with the school?
- Has their child's academic and personal growth been evident?
- How responsive is the school to concerns?
- Would they recommend the school?
Step 4: Interview Key School Leaders
Meet the principal, headteacher, and admissions officer. Ask targeted questions about their vision, values, and approach to education.
Step 5: Trust Your Instinct
After data gathering, visit, and conversations, trust your gut. Does the school feel like a place where your child will thrive and be well prepared for KJSEA assessments?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Walk away if a school:
- Is evasive about sharing academic data or safety protocols
- Has poor infrastructure or unclear safety measures
- Shows high staff turnover or disengaged teachers
- Has parents complaining about lack of communication
- Focuses only on exam performance, ignoring child wellbeing
- Has hidden costs or unclear fee structures
Final Thoughts
Choosing a school is a personal decision based on your child's needs, your values, and your circumstances. There's no single "best" school, the best school is the one that aligns with your family's goals and provides a nurturing, academically rigorous environment where your child can thrive.
We invite you to visit Sikri Junior Academy and experience our approach to education firsthand. We're confident you'll see why so many families in Homa Bay and beyond trust us with their children's future.