Parents share views on what makes a school good for children

Ahead of the new school year, the newspaper "Zemgales Ziņas" asked parents and several well-known public figures what, in their view, makes a school suitable for sending children to study. The answers reveal differing priorities depending on family circumstances and children's ages.

Distance and the role of rural schools

Several parents living in rural areas note that school choice is often limited — children must attend the only school in the area. They emphasize that small rural schools tend to foster closer, more personal relationships among children, teachers, and parents than large city schools. At the same time, some warn that the fewer children sent to local rural schools, the greater the risk those schools will eventually close. However, several respondents acknowledge that once children reach gymnasium age after primary school, a larger city school may offer better education, with broader opportunities to study languages and basic entrepreneurship.

Environment, safety, and the teacher's role

Another group of parents stresses that an emotionally safe, respectful environment — where a child is not afraid to make mistakes and feels heard — matters more than exam results or a school building's appearance. They point to teachers' professionalism and their ability to cooperate with both children and parents as decisive factors.

Challenges with class composition and support

Several parents describe difficulties when a lot of class time is spent addressing behavioral issues, or when a child needs additional learning support. They note that not all teachers are willing to work with children who have special needs, and that smaller rural schools often lack access to a psychologist, speech therapist, or social pedagogue. Multiple respondents conclude that the individual teacher, rather than the school itself, is often the decisive factor in a child's educational experience.