By: Dr Manisha Sharma

As the 2026 admission cycle approaches, parents are no longer choosing schools just for convenience or board preference. What parents care about more now is whether a school actually helps children feel confident and prepared for the future.

A big part of that comes down to how early students are introduced to technology. When children learn coding, basic robotics and digital skills in a practical, age-appropriate way, they stop seeing technology as something intimidating. They learn to use it, question it and grow with it. This shift is becoming essential, especially as the World Economic Forum has pointed out that many of today’s job skills will look very different by 2027.

Modern schools are also expected to move well beyond textbook-driven teaching. Inquiry-based learning, experiential activities and personalised academic support are becoming standard expectations rather than differentiators. Asking students to talk about what they learned helps them understand themselves better. It also gives them confidence, without forcing everyone to move at the same speed.

Safety remains non-negotiable for parents, as they must look closely at campus security systems, access control, surveillance measures, child protection policies and emergency preparedness. If a school feels safe, children are more relaxed. They participate more and learn better.

Parents are also thinking carefully about balance when choosing a school because even though academic learning is important, it is no longer the only focus. Sports, arts, theatre and clubs give children space to explore interests beyond the classroom. Being part of teams, events or student groups helps them learn cooperation, responsibility and confidence. Exposure to competitions or programmes outside the school environment also helps children see the world differently and become more self-assured.

Parents usually want to know who will actually be teaching their child every day and how long they have been doing it. A good teacher keeps learning and adjusting, because children do not stay the same year after year. When teachers improve, classrooms thrive, and even large international studies like those by the OECD keep coming back to the same point, that students do better when the quality of teaching is strong.

Infrastructure and technology also play a role in school choice, where parents tend to notice whether classrooms are well-equipped, labs are actually usable and there are proper spaces for practical work. Simple digital systems that help schools share updates and feedback clearly also make day-to-day communication easier.

Values, school culture and emotional well-being have become more important for parents. Many prefer places where kindness, respect and fairness are practised in daily school life, not just spoken about. When students have access to emotional support and feel comfortable in their surroundings, it helps them cope better and grow steadily over time.

With this new academic year, many parents are rethinking what they really want from a school. Rather than looking at which school is most well-known, parents are starting to notice how a school actually functions day to day. Good teaching, a safe atmosphere, emotional support and clear values often make the biggest difference, because children do better when they feel settled and understood.

Dr Manisha Sharma is the Principal of Venkateshwar International School.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETEDUCATION does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETEDUCATION will not be responsible for any damage caused to any person or organisation directly or indirectly.

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