HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT LANGUAGE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD?

17 JUN 20

Choosing the right language school for your child can make all the difference in their success. Language skills play a role in just about every part of a child’s life, from how they socialize to how they learn. This is why it’s so essential that you select a school that can offer your child the best language learning process and set them up with the skills that they need to thrive.


In addition, your child will likely be spending several hours a week at their language school. This is where they will make friends, learn new skills, and develop as a person, so you want to make sure that you choose a reputable and respectable school that meets both your and your child’s needs.


What Language are they going to learn?


First and foremost, of course, you need to decide what language your child is going to learn. This will help to create a shortlist of possibilities. Spanish is one of, if not the, most popular choices, and for a very good reason. Spanish is one of the most commonly taught second language. The ability to speak Spanish is a massive boost to the resume and will help a great deal when your child enters the job market. The earlier that children start speaking Spanigh, the more fluent they will become.


Gather information


If you were looking to buy a new house, car, or even a dishwasher, you would shop around before making a purchase. Similarly, when searching for a language school, you should apply this same logic. By doing a simple Google search you should be able to find reliable information on schools around your area. From there you can make a shortlist and do a little research on each individual school.


Proximity to your home


Choosing a school that is close to your home is essential for convenience. It’s also a great way to ensure that your child never misses a class. You don’t want to have to drive for miles to reach the school. Keeping all the other aspects of choosing a language school in mind, like reputation, quality, and reviews, location will also play a key role. The closer to home the better - you may be able to drop your child off, go home, and then pick them up after.


Consider what fits best with your child


Start your research for the best language school by thinking about your child's needs, along with the learning environment that works best for them. Here are a few things to think about:


  • Does your child thrive in a challenging environment?

  • Does your child work best in a structured environment or do they need more freedom?

  • Does your child need individual attention?

  • Does your child have special learning needs?

  • Does your child like to work alone or in groups?

  • Does your child learn best by listening?


It would be a good idea to go check out the programs offered by De La Mano Spanish school, because there is something to suit just about all requirements here.


Courses and Programmes on offer


Another important thing to think about is the variety of programmes and courses on offer. It’s always a good idea to choose a school with a wide selection of courses to choose from because this means that you child can continue with the same school as their skills progress. In other words, they won’t need to move schools because their language skills reach a level that is too advanced for the school.


Schools that offer an extensive range of programmes is also a great way to keep your child engaged and active, wanting to learn more.


Student Reviews


Lastly, if you want to know what a school is really like, just take a look at what previous (or current) students have to say about it. These days it’s very easy to find review online. Alternatively, ask around in your area or at your child’s school. It’s highly likely that you will find someone who knows someone who can give you a little insight into a particular school, or possibly even give other suggestions.


By Marta Prieto

Marta holds a Master’s in Audiovisual Journalism and is a certified DELE examiner. She combines a solid experience teaching Spanish to young learners with entrepreneurial experience which led her to set up and run a very successful Spanish school, De La Mano Spanish, in Hong Kong. She now works at Comligo as Director of International Relationships.

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