As mums we want nothing but the best for our kids (and their future). School is on top of that concern of course.
Your child’s subjects, teachers and extracurriculars are all important. But for many mums, it is also a temptation to care a little too much about the name of your child’s school too.
After all, we’ve all heard tales of classmates from “the good schools” going on to great things. While others from neighbourhood schools had to work twice as hard to shine.
But how much of that is perception, and how much is reality?
Why We May Obsess Over Schools
When it comes to choosing the right school, many parents admit it’s instinctive to go after what’s perceived as the “best” school with a great reputation and long track record.
Parents may go to great lengths to secure spots at popular primary schools. Even signing up for volunteer roles or community positions just to qualify for early registration phases.
This isn’t unique to Singapore.
Across the globe, parents watch school league tables, alumni success stories and balloting demand figures and feel a pull towards what appears more prestigious.
In Singapore, this phenomenon is very real: some primary schools are so sought-after that they have high applicant-to-vacancy ratios during balloting exercises.
There’s an understandable logic to this.
A popular school is often associated with strong academic outcomes, rich opportunities and connections that might ease the path into coveted secondary schools.
What School Can Offer
There’s no doubt that school is important. It provides structure, a social environment, trained educators and a curriculum designed to help children think, collaborate and grow.
The right school environment can nurture curiosity and resilience and give children access to experiences that help them flourish.
For many parents, choosing a school isn’t just about raw academic results but about culture.
Does the school feel like a place where your child could be confident and happy? Are the teachers supportive, and is the curriculum a good fit for your child’s learning style? These are valuable considerations.
What Research Actually Says
When you look at the evidence from educational research, the picture of how much school matters becomes more nuanced.
Studies on school choice and student outcomes suggest that competition between schools can have some positive effects on student achievement.
However, these effects tend to be small and vary widely based on context and individual circumstances.
It also implies that differences in student performance often reflect a mix of factors.
From parental support, peer influence and individual character to the match between a child’s needs and the school’s environment.
Does Reputation Equal Success?
Let’s be honest. In parent groups and social circles, stories about children from popular or “elite” schools tend to stand out.
This fuels the idea that school reputation equals success. But many educators and parents themselves point out that this belief can be misleading.
For example, some successful adults grew up in schools that weren’t considered “top” at the time but went on to thrive due to their own resilience.
In essence, school may shape a child’s experience, but it does not determine their trajectory.
A big part of why school prestige holds such sway is historical and cultural.
Long-standing schools with deep alumni networks or affiliations with well-regarded secondary schools naturally attract attention.
But perceptions of popularity have a way of sticking around even after the official metrics (like exam score publications) have changed.
What Really Supports Your Child’s Growth
If the school itself is not the sole predictor of success, what else matters?
A Loving and Supportive Home
Children with encouragement at home (where effort is valued over perfection) tend to develop confidence and resilience that serve them beyond textbooks.
A Good Fit Between Child and School
Rather than aiming for a prestigious name, consider whether the school’s ethos, teaching style and values align with your child’s personality and interests.
A school that fits your child may nurture joy in learning far more than one chosen for status alone.
Parental Engagement
Being actively involved — celebrating milestones, attending school events, and creating routines for reading and reflection — often correlates more strongly with academic and socio-emotional success than the perceived ranking of a school.
Extra-Curricular and Social Opportunities
School doesn’t just happen in classrooms. Friendships, co-curricular activities and exposure to diverse interests cultivate skills that last a lifetime.
Picking the Right School for Your Child
Here’s a simple mindset shift: instead of asking, “Which school will set my child up for life?” try asking, “Which school will support my child’s growth right now?”
This subtle difference focuses your attention on the present needs of your child.
A school that matches their learning pace, where they feel secure and encouraged, can help build a foundation that future success can grow from – even if it doesn’t come with a fancy reputation.
Ask yourself: does this school offer a nurturing environment? Are teachers approachable? Are the programmes aligned with what my child enjoys or struggles with?
Tackling these questions often gets you closer to a good decision than chasing the school perceived as “the best” by others.
For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Motherhood.sg!