Factors affecting school choice decision among Iranian parents: a qualitative study

Abstract EN

School choice is a high-involvement process in which parents need to consider numerous factors when making this decision.

However, little is known about the factors affecting school choice among Iranian parents.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the school choice process among Iranian parents.

Because the previous literature does not adequately investigate such topic among Iranian families.

The qualitative approach, using consensual qualitative research (CQR), was utilized.

For this study, 29 parents were recruited.

A semi-structured interview was conducted.

Through data analysis, three domains emerged: 1- school physical environment, 2- school educational quality, and 3- school atmosphere.

Additionally, nineteen categories emerged, which were categorized into the three mentioned categories.

Findings are explained from the Iranian cultural perspective, and implications for educators and policymakers are discussed.