I am often asked what makes an excellent school and like most thought-provoking questions, the answers they elicit are complex and multi-dimensional. Educational Programs and Curricular vary a great deal, and so ultimately the context and the mission and vision of the school would determine the answer. Schooling is a tool for socialization, imparting information, and developing the minds of students. Schools that go above and beyond take into consideration the whole child and support the physical, social, and emotional development of the child as well as the intellectual development. An excellent measurement of the quality of a school is to what degree the school adheres to its mission, vision, and values. More importantly, how are the mission, vision, and values operationalized? A school’s mission is only effective if it is put into practice. Parents must first be aware of their child’s school mission and vision to determine if the school is in alignment with its mission. A good school lives its mission.

Teachers are the main determinant of a student’s success. There is a high correlation between student achievement and effective teachers. Therefore, it goes without saying that an excellent school has excellent teachers. Will all excellent teachers have the same background, training, and approach? Not necessarily. However, excellent teachers all adhere to high standards in the areas of instructional knowledge, instructional planning, instructional delivery, assessment of and for learning, classroom environment, communication, professionalism, and student achievement. Teachers at the AUW Laboratory School have been selected for their expertise, genuine care of students, and his and her professionalism.

Excellent schools consider students’ diversity and abilities and use facilities and community resources beyond the classroom when designing teaching and learning. Personalized education is increasingly more important as researchers and educators come to understand that not all students learn in the same way at the same time, and at the same pace. Good schools recognize the fact that each student learns in their own way and differentiation of instruction and assessment should be incorporated into lessons. Leveraging university resources such as libraries, science labs, and computer labs can add value to student programs. Schools located within a university setting have a natural advantage and students benefit from the resources available at universities. Field trips as well as co-curricular and extra-curricular programs are integral for good school programs.

Excellent schools give students a voice, provide meaningful instruction, and provide opportunities for experiential and real-world learning. Excellent schools allow the world to become the classroom. National and international trips that are affordable for all are excellent learning opportunities. Bringing in guest speakers and experts are also wonderful learning opportunities for students. It also connects the school with other educational institutions as well as the business community and civil society. Student-centered inquiry-based instruction allows students to explore and delve into topics that interest them. This fosters interest in learning and real-world application to the learning.

Most importantly, excellent schools have strategic plans and reflective practices to guide and shape the direction of the school. Members of the school community should also be in the process of improving and innovating when it is prudent to do so.