Do you ever feel embarrassed when someone asks what your child is learning this semester and you have no idea how to respond? You’re not alone. Many parents only become aware of their child’s curriculum when report cards arrive – or worse, when an assignment comes home that they weren’t expecting.

Recently, I read about a parent who voiced outrage at a school board meeting after discovering that the school had included topics on LGBTQ history in the social studies curriculum. While this parent disagreed with the inclusion of such topics, what stood out to me was how proactive he was in understanding what his child was being taught. It made me wonder – how many other parents remain unaware of their child’s curriculum until it’s too late to engage in meaningful discussions or decisions?

Being informed about what and how your child is learning isn’t just about avoiding surprises. It’s about being an active participant in their education and ensuring they receive the best possible learning experience.

So, what’s the difference between educational standards and curricula? A simple way to break it down is this: Educational standards define what students should learn at each grade level, while curricula determine how they will be taught. Think of education standards like road laws – they set the rules for learning, just like traffic laws ensure all drivers follow the same expectations for safety and efficiency. Schools can’t ignore these rules, just like drivers can’t ignore speed limits.

Now, imagine curricula as car models – each one gets you to the same destination (education), but the experience is different. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is like a luxury SUV – versatile, globally recognized, and designed for a well-rounded experience with critical thinking at its core. The American curriculum is like a family sedan – flexible, accommodating a broad range of learners, and with room for extracurricular activities and creativity. Meanwhile, the British curriculum is like a sports car – structured, exam-driven, and known for its rigorous subject specialization through GCSEs and A levels.

Each system has strengths, but choosing the right one depends on your child’s learning style, future goals, and how well it aligns with your family’s educational priorities.

Beyond knowing what your child will learn, it’s equally important to understand when they will learn it. Schools follow a pacing guide – a schedule that determines when specific topics are covered throughout the year. This is often presented during open house nights or curriculum nights, and it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to ask questions and get clarity on what lies ahead.

Understanding pacing allows you to plan ahead. If you know when a challenging topic will be introduced, you can provide early exposure at home or seek tutoring support. It also helps reinforce learning. If a concept moves quickly in class, you can help your child practice at home to ensure mastery before the next unit begins. Additionally, it enables you to address concerns early. If you notice a topic that conflicts with your values or if your child struggles with a certain subject, knowing the schedule allows you to have discussions with teachers before issues arise.

During parent meetings, open house events, or one-on-one conferences with teachers, consider asking the following questions:

• What educational standards does the school follow?
• How does the curriculum align with these standards?
• What resources or textbooks are used to teach the curriculum?
• How is the pacing of learning determined throughout the school year?
• Are there opportunities for parents to review materials ahead of time?
• What support is available if my child struggles with a particular subject?
• How are assessments designed to measure student understanding of the standards?

Choosing the right school or curriculum isn’t just about academic performance – it’s about finding an approach that nurtures your child’s strengths and prepares them for future success. When parents stay informed about educational standards and curriculums, they become active partners in their child’s learning journey.

By understanding the what, how, and when of education, you’ll be equipped to support your child, communicate effectively with teachers, and make choices that align with your family’s values. If you’re navigating the process of selecting a school or trying to better understand the curriculum your child is currently following, I explore this topic in-depth in Choosing the Best International School for Your Child. Education is a journey, and being informed is the first step to ensuring your child’s success.

With over ten years of experience in education, Malcolm Solomon, M. Ed. has worked in diverse classroom settings, from America to China. These experiences have allowed Solomon to adapt and integrate the best practices from both environments, continuously improving his skills as an educator. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to fostering strong, positive relationships with students while delivering impactful instruction. His varied roles in the field of education equip him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to any program.

Images: Malcolm Solomon, Pexels

I recently had a conversation with a friend whose daughter, now in seventh grade, wanted to travel to her friend’s home country for two weeks. My friend wasn’t comfortable allowing her daughter to travel unaccompanied but felt hesitant to say no, fearing her daughter wouldn’t understand. She asked for my advice.

I responded with two simple questions: Do you know the other child’s parents? What are their family customs and values?

To my surprise, she couldn’t answer. This exchange made me reflect on how many parents enroll their children in schools without fully understanding the school’s culture and values.

While academics are often the priority, the environment in which children learn plays a crucial role in shaping their character, confidence, and social skills. A school’s approach to collaboration, discipline, inclusivity, and even conflict resolution reflects its deeper values.

When choosing a school, I encourage parents to look beyond rankings and curriculum. Observe how teachers interact with students, how diversity is celebrated, and whether the school’s philosophy aligns with your family’s core beliefs. Small moments—like a conversation between students in the hallway—can reveal more about a school’s culture than any brochure ever could.

In “Choosing the Best International School for Your Child,” I emphasize how vital it is for parents to assess school culture firsthand. After all, a school’s values will influence your child’s development just as much as the lessons taught in the classroom.

Curious to dive deeper into this topic? Discover more insights in my book, which is available now.

Scan the QR code below to purchase a copy of the book.

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend this year’s Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) on Feb 22 at China World Summit Wing where you’ll get to meet Beijing’s top international schools and help your child find the school that suits their needs.

With over ten years of experience in education, Malcolm Solomon, M. Ed. has worked in diverse settings, from classrooms in America to China. These experiences have allowed Solomon to adapt and integrate the best practices from both environments, continuously improving his skills as an educator. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to fostering strong, positive relationships with students while delivering impactful instruction. His varied roles in the field of education equip him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to any program.

Images: Malcolm Solomon, Pexels