Beyond Rankings: Devi Sahny on Finding the Right School Fit for Thriving Children

In a recent LinkedIn post, Devi Sahny explores the critical difference between gaining admission to a prestigious school and ensuring that school is the right environment for a child to truly flourish. Sahny, who has extensive experience with school visits and consultations, highlights a common misconception among parents seeking new educational settings.

Sahny begins by recounting recent interactions with parents from diverse international locations, including Switzerland, Turkey, Miami, and Singapore, all expressing dissatisfaction with their children’s current schools. She notes the consistent questions these parents asked: “What are the top schools? How do we get in?” This focus on admission and prestige, Sahny observes, overlooks a more fundamental concern.

“Not one asked: ‘How do I know it’s the right fit?'”

Drawing on over eight years and 150 school visits, Sahny argues that a school’s admissions offer does not guarantee a child’s success within its walls. She points out the paradox of highly ranked institutions that can inadvertently lead to students feeling overlooked.

The Illusion of Prestige vs. Genuine Engagement

Sahny challenges the notion that prestigious schools are inherently superior for every child. She shares a stark observation from her visits:

“Some of the most prestigious schools I’ve walked through have the most invisible students. Great rankings. A child quietly shrinking in row 3 because no adult has asked her a real question in months.”

In contrast, Sahny praises schools that prioritize individual student well-being over rankings. She specifically commends institutions and leaders demonstrating a commitment to personalization and student thriving, mentioning examples like Fusion Academy (Bryan Lively and Lynna Martinez-Khalilian), Inspired Learning Group (particularly Claysmore under Amit Mehta), Berkhamsted (Martin Walker), Taaleem (Rebecca Tennant and Alan Williamson), and Dukes Education (Adam Anstey).

Shifting the Question: What Parents Should Ask

To help parents navigate the school selection process more effectively, Sahny proposes a shift in questioning away from admission hurdles towards genuine fit. She advises parents to move beyond asking “Will they let us in?” and instead focus on understanding the school’s approach to teaching and student support.

Key Questions for Prospective Schools

Sahny suggests parents ask:

• “Tell me something specific about a student you teach – something their parents don’t know. What pedagogy works for what type of learners.” She emphasizes the need for specific, insightful answers, cautioning parents to “Walk away. If they don’t know what pedagogy is, RUN!”
• “What percentage of your teachers were here three years ago?” Sahny explains that teacher retention is a significant indicator of school culture, as “Happy teachers = happy students.”
• “When a student is struggling, who notices first?” Sahny suggests that if the answer is primarily “the parents tell us,” it may indicate a lack of proactive student support within the school.

Sahny concludes that the true measure of a school’s quality lies not in its selectivity but in its ability to make each child feel seen, heard, and empowered to “sparkle.” She invites readers to share their own experiences, asking:

“One question, whoever you are: when did you know a school was right – or wrong – for yourself or a child you care about? Teachers, how did you know your school was the right fit for you?”

The core message from Sahny’s post is a call for parents to prioritize a school’s ability to foster individual growth and happiness over its reputation or ranking.