"Scouting for Schools" Kind of Day

I'm not even sure if it's too early for me to scout for possible schools as Ching only turned 3 this January. Toddler schools are very common nowadays especially in Metro Manila but since I am a working mom from Cavite, the main thought of  enrolling Ching in one would be an impossible feat for me. To add, schools nowadays do not come cheap.

        Leih and I have been discussing when we'll start Ching's formal schooling. From what I've observed, my little girl isn't ready for it just yet and I have no plans of pressuring her to perform as the other kids her age does. I have always believed that every child is different. I feel it better to encourage my child and teach her at home every chance I get until she's at the proper age to start school.

         And yes, there is the inevitable topic of where to send her next year... Before Leih left, we talked about what kind of education we'd want our child to have. These days, you get to have more choices in this field compared to ours years back. There's the traditional school, home-schooling, non-tradional, Waldorf, etc...

         Both Leih and I went to traditional co-ed schools just like most kids our age.  I must say that though traditional schools have yielded successful  graduates, my husband and I feel like taking another path when it comes to Ching's education.

         I have been continuously researching about the differences of these teaching approaches for some time now and so far, I think I found what I've been wanting for my little girl. Given the option, I prefer a  school which nurtures a child's potentials particular to her age. I want her to enjoy school and see it as  her second home. I want her to learn in a warm, beautiful and home-like environment where she'd be encouraged to develop her imagination and other skills.. A kind of education that will not only educate my child but transform her to be  a good human being and enrich her values & respect for life and for others. I have high regards for institutions who promote the importance of family in their curriculum. I'm not having Ching home-schooled though, just to be clear.

         I want my child to find eagerness in learning the academics without having to need to vie for the honor's list. In my heart, I want to become an integral part of her learning, and I'm more than willing to support my child in any way I can. If there's one thing I would like to spare my child from, it is the pressure of excelling, something that I once went through as a child. Though I have nothing but gratitude for my ever-patient mother for teaching me all there is I need to know, still, I believe that learning should not be turned into a competition where kids are forced to perform  and be the best amongst others, no matter what expense.

        Sounds too good to be true? Well, I think I  already found the right school for my child. I will not be dropping names though for it is too early just yet. But I'm glad I have come to a sound decision a year ahead. We can start saving up for it now. I just hope we'd be able to sustain the cost... =)