Moving to a new city—or an entirely new country—can be exciting, but if you’re a parent, one question immediately takes over everything else:

“Which school should I choose for my child?”

The stress doubles because you’re making this decision without actually knowing the place, the neighbourhoods, the schooling culture, or the quality of institutions available there. Many parents end up choosing schools based only on hearsay, marketing brochures, or whatever comes up first on Google.

But with the right approach, you can shortlist excellent schools—even before you land in the new city.

This guide will walk you through a simple, practical, parent-friendly framework you can use from anywhere in the world.

1. Start With Understanding the Education System of That City/Country

Every region has its own schooling style. Some cities offer international boards widely, while others focus on national or local boards.

What You Should Do

• Research the popular curriculum options available.

• Compare national boards vs. international boards before deciding.

• Understand the local academic culture—some cities are exam-driven, others skill-driven.

A little research here prevents confusion later.

2. Identify Your Priorities as a Family

Before you even look at schools, get clarity on what you want.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do you want an academically strict school or a balanced one?

• Do you prefer structured teaching (like CBSE/ICSE) or inquiry-based systems (IB/IGCSE)?

• Do you want a school close to home or are you okay with longer travel?

• How important are extracurriculars?

Having your priorities listed makes shortlisting much easier.

3. Set a Comfortable Budget Range

Schools vary widely in fees, especially in large cities and international locations.

How to Plan

• Decide on a yearly fee range you’re comfortable with.

• Consider additional expenses: books, uniforms, transport, activities.

• Don’t shortlist schools without checking transparent fee structures.

This avoids surprises during admission.

4. Use Digital Platforms to Discover Schools Remotely

Most parents waste time on random searches and outdated listings.
Instead, use reliable school-discovery platforms that give updated details.

(Mentioning Enwilo naturally, without over-promotion)

Today, many parents use digital platforms like Enwilo, which allow you to explore schools, compare them, read about curricula, and understand facilities—without physically visiting.

It saves time and helps you prepare a solid shortlist before relocating.

5. Check Real Parent Reviews & Community Opinions

School websites show only the polished version. The real picture comes from parents.

How to Do This

• Look for parent groups in the city on Facebook, WhatsApp, Reddit, or local forums.

• Search for authentic Google reviews (look for repeated patterns, not one-off opinions).

• Ask expat groups if you’re moving to another country.

Real feedback helps you understand teaching quality, discipline, pressure levels, and culture.

6. Map Schools Based on Your Future Home Location

You may not know your exact address yet, but you’ll know the general area you'll stay in.

How to Plan

• Pick 2–3 potential residential zones.

• Shortlist schools within 20–30 minutes of those zones.

• Avoid schools with long commute distances—especially for younger kids.

This ensures a balanced daily routine for your child.

7. Look Closely at Curriculum Compatibility

If you’re relocating internationally, this is extremely important.

For Example

• A child from CBSE may need adjustment if shifting to IB.

• A child from IGCSE may find ICSE highly textbook-heavy.

• Some countries follow grade-level differences.

What To Do

• Make sure the curriculum aligns with your child’s learning style.

• Choose a board that keeps future relocations easy.

• Consider long-term continuity.

8. Evaluate Extracurriculars and Skill Development

When moving to a new environment, children need activities that help them settle, socialize, and build confidence.

Check For

• Sports programs

• Art, music, drama

• Clubs & competitions

• Communication and leadership activities

A balanced school helps your child adapt better to the new city.

9. Connect With the School Directly (Online First)

Most good schools offer:

• Virtual tours

• Online counselling sessions

• Admission coordinators

• Sample class videos

• PDF brochures

Ask the Right Questions

• How do teachers support new students?

• What is the average class size?

• How do they handle transitions from other boards?

• What about language or cultural adaptation?

This gives a clear idea without needing to visit physically.

10. Create a Final 3–5 School Shortlist

After filtering through everything—curriculum, location, reviews, budget, teaching style—you should end up with:

• 1 dream school

• 2 practical, reliable options

• 1–2 backup options

This ensures you have strong choices even if one school has limited seats.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new city or country is challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right school. But with the right digital tools, clear priorities, and a structured approach, you can confidently make a well-researched shortlist before you even arrive.

A school shouldn’t just teach—it should help your child feel at home in a new environment.