Finding the Perfect Fit: Navigating School Options in Western Australia

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make as a parent. In Western Australia, we are fortunate to have a variety of schooling options, ranging from government schools to independent and private institutions. However, the diversity of choice can also make the decision more complex. My husband and I recently navigated this journey, and I want to share some insights, including how we made decisions that aligned with our family’s goals and each child’s unique interests.

Family Goals: The Foundation of the Decision

When we began exploring schools, the first thing we did was reflect on our values as a family. What did we hope our children would gain from their education? For us, it wasn’t just about academics; it was about fostering creativity, resilience, and a sense of community.

We kept coming back to the idea of balance—balancing academic rigor with opportunities for creative expression and extracurricular activities. This framework guided every school tour, meeting, and decision.

Understanding Each Child's Unique Path

One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of parenting is understanding that each child is different. For example, one of our eldest has always been passionate about sports. From the time they could walk, they were kicking a ball around the house, setting up "goals" with chairs and cushions. When we toured schools, we focused on those with strong sports programs, high-quality facilities, and supportive coaching staff.

Our middle child, on the other hand, is artistic to the core. They spent hours dancing around our home, complete with costumes and props. For them, school needed to look a little different—ballet, drama, music, and visual arts needed to be at the core.

This led us to an unconventional decision: enrolling our children in different schools. While it initially felt overwhelming to juggle the logistics, it was the right choice for our family. Watching each of them thrive in an environment tailored to their passions has been worth every early morning drop-off and packed afternoon schedule.

A Broader Perspective: Lessons from Free Schools

The book Free Schools by David Gillespie was an eye-opener for us during this process. Gillespie argues that schools don’t need to be expensive or exclusive to provide an excellent education. He emphasises the importance of strong leadership, engaged teachers, and a supportive school community. This helped us move away from the idea that the “best” school was necessarily the most expensive or prestigious one.

In fact, some of the recent news articles about private school fees in Western Australia gave us pause. Many private schools have seen fee increases, with some families questioning whether the cost is justified (The West Australian). This, coupled with reports of overfunding in certain private institutions (The West Australian), reinforced our belief that the value of a school lies in how well it aligns with a child’s needs and a family’s priorities—not just its reputation or price tag.

Balancing Practicalities and Aspirations

Of course, practical considerations also played a role. We had to think about proximity, transport logistics, and financial sustainability. At one point, we found ourselves sitting at the kitchen table with a map of Perth, highlighting school zones and calculating driving times. It was a reminder that, as parents, we often juggle dreams for our children with the realities of daily life.

Personal Reflections

A particularly emotional moment for me occurred during an ordinary week of online schooling that we ultimately selected for our eldest. She was seated at the dining table, deeply focused on her schoolwork, actively participating with her teacher and classmates in discussions about George Orwell's 1984 and contemplating today's swiftly evolving Artificial Intelligence landscape. Observing her expression, I was certain she was in the right environment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a school is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is finding an environment where your child feels supported and inspired, and where your family’s goals and values are respected.

For our family, the decision to send our children to different schools based on their interests has been transformative. It has allowed each of them to grow in their unique strengths and pursue their passions, whether on the sports field or the stage.

If you’re navigating this decision, my advice is to trust your instincts, prioritise your child’s individuality, and keep your family’s vision for the future at the heart of the process. After all, education is not just about preparing our children for a career—it’s about preparing them for a fulfilling life.

What has your experience been like choosing a school in WA? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

References

• Gillespie, D. (2014). Free Schools: How to Get Your Kids a Great Education Without Spending a Fortune. Pan Macmillan.

• “WA Private School Fees Rise an Average of 4.4% This Year.” The West Australian, January 2024.

• “Private WA Schools Will Be Over-Funded by Millions of Dollars a Year, Teachers' Union Report Claims.” The West Australian, October 2024.

• “Private Schools Soar in Popularity Among West Australian Parents.” The Educator Online, February 2024.