Should I transfer my child to a specialized school?

Many people ask me for my opinion: should I let my child who is studying at a good private school transfer to a prestigious specialized school that he/she just passed?

Honestly, this is a question that has troubled me quite a bit – not only because this is an important decision for a child’s future, but also because I myself have a conflict of interest as an investor in non-public education .

But after much self-reflection, with the experience of someone who studied at a specialized school and also has a child studying at university with friends who studied at a specialized school, I would like to share my personal perspective, completely personal experience - not the opinion of the organization I work for.

That is, if you do not have the financial means to continue studying at a private school, it is advisable to transfer your child to a public specialized school. But if you have the financial means, even if you have to make a little effort, you should let your child study at the current private school. Why?

Students taking the entrance exam for grade 6 at Tran Dai Nghia Secondary and High School, Ho Chi Minh City

Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach

Don't fix what works

The British have a saying: "If it ain't broken, don't fix it", which means: "If something is going well, don't try to change it".

If your child is studying in a good private school and has just passed the entrance exam to a prestigious specialized school, it proves that the current educational environment of the private school is doing a very good job of academic training. So why should you "trade off" to put your child in a new, unknown environment and is it certain that your child will study better?

Changing schools at this time is a "gamble": it could be better, but it could also disrupt the ecosystem in which your child is developing so harmoniously.

Big fish in a small pond sometimes swim further.

The Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect suggests that gifted students in moderately competitive environments are more confident and motivated to learn. Research by Herbert Marsh, an educational scientist , has shown that social comparison in highly competitive environments can lower self-esteem. This phenomenon has been confirmed by numerous international studies. It does not negate the value of specialized schools, but warns of the psychological risks for students in a high-pressure environment full of "super sharks", where everyone is as talented - even better than you.

When I was in Australia, one of the wisest decisions I made in retrospect was to choose to study at a very average university. However, I was one of the best students in that year, and I learned very quickly, graduating quickly with quite high grades. That created a lot of advantages for me later on. Being a "big fish in a small pond" helped me to be confident and study much better in the process of furthering my studies, as well as in my work and career later on.

Universities no longer consider admission based solely on scores

Many parents think that studying at a specialized school will make it easier to get into university, but in reality, that is not the case. Top universities in the US, Europe and even Vietnam now do not only look at academic scores. They want to know what students have done, how they live, what skills they have, what passions they have. Participation in extracurricular activities, research, volunteering, sports , etc. are equally – or even more – weighted than GPA (grade point average).

Meanwhile, private school students have lighter, more flexible schedules – and therefore have more time to invest in extracurricular activities.

Unless you are extremely academically gifted, colleges will want to admit students who have played sports on their teams. There is a clear correlation between doing well in college and in life and being good at a sport.

Parents waiting for their children to take the 6th grade exam at Tran Dai Nghia Secondary and High School

Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach

Choose for your child's true benefit – not because of adult expectations or peer pressure.

Many decisions to transfer their children to specialized schools sometimes come from the natural desire of parents – wanting their children to be “recognized”, to be “on par with their peers”, and for the whole family to be proud. I completely understand that. Who as a parent doesn’t want the best for their children?

But sometimes, what is "right" is not necessarily what is "socially approved". Many times, "pride" and "ego" are not the right and most beneficial things in the long run for young people. You may have to trade off fatigue, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, constant stress, and sometimes having to put aside personal interests. In the end, you still go to university - like many other friends - with a 3-year journey full of unnecessary pressure.

If you want your child to be more confident, let him be a "big fish in a medium pond". If you want your child to be taller, let him sleep enough, eat enough, and exercise enough. If you want your child to be true to himself, don't let him be drowned in the race for grades.

Every child has a different race track. And choosing a school – sometimes – is choosing whether to run fast, or run far.

Ultimately, I write these lines just to open up another perspective, one that some people will certainly disagree with, at a time when many parents are facing difficult choices.

There is no one right answer for everyone. There is only one right answer for each child.

Choosing a school is not about choosing reputation – but choosing long-term, comprehensive, suitable and happy development for your child.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-nen-chuyen-con-sang-truong-chuyen-185250706162659718.htm