Your first-born has just turned three. You are faced with what will be one of the most defining factors in her life - choosing the right school for her. Given below is a list that covers a few of the most important factors involved in deciding the right school. And we are hoping that we can help ease the path to making that decision.

Board of Education
An ICSE school earlier merited extra marks during a college admission. But it is no longer so. The 3 streams - ICSE, CBSE, SSC and now the International Baccalaureate are equally popular. But you will do well to think over what Board of education your child should pursue, keeping in mind her abilities and the importance you lay on the quality of education.

Co-educational school
A lot of parents think that the interaction between children of both sexes in a co-educational school prepares their child for the world at large, making them socially comfortable. Others however, find that co-eds are an unnecessary distraction. How important is this to you? Would you rather your child study in a same sex school or would a co-ed be more of a natural choice?

Distance from Home
Understand the distances involved. Prepare a list of schools in the neighbourhood and surrounding areas and if your choice of school is not at a walkable distance from your home, find out if a sound transport system is in place. Commuting should not be an everyday hassle.

Fees
Enquire from the school, parents of children who attend the school, friends, or even websites about the fee structure of the school. How much are the tuition fees? How much for uniforms, books, library fees, extra outgoings? Is it an affordable school?

Academic Weightage
If you believe that academics are paramount in your scheme of things for your child, then you need to zero in on such a school. Find out how much stress each school lays on academics and extra curricular activities. Will your child be able to cope? Remember that academics are not everything, though they count for a lot!

Faculty and Student Teacher ratio
Most schools do have competent staff, but it will still be worth your while to make a few discreet enquiries about the school faculty and their competencies. Similarly check the student-teacher ratio. This one is a tall order in the metros where class strengths average 50 to 1, though ideally, they should not cross 30 students to a teacher.