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