When it is time to find the right school for your child and your family, it is important to visit many different schools and talk with the admissions team or other staff members. Finding the perfect school can be stressful and overwhelming, but we can help! To assist in your decision making, we have a list of questions that you might want to ask. You certainly do not need to ask them all, but this list should help you highlight the ones that are important to you. It might be beneficial for you to modify this list based on your child’s age. (For example, if you are looking into preschool, then you will want to ask questions about nap time, potty training, etc.). Every child is unique, so it is important to find the place where they will thrive!
School/Staff:
- What is your school philosophy or vision and how is it applied in the classroom?
- What about the school are you, as an administrator, most proud of?
- What does your ideal student look like?
- What does the typical graduate of the school look like?
- What is your placement record like?
- How does your school help guide my child in the college admissions process?
- What are your teachers’ qualifications?
- What kinds of facilities and resources do you have? (i.e., gymnasium, library, sports field, art studio, playground, music room)
- How is your school operated and governed? (i.e., leadership, who is responsible for making which decisions?)
- What classes or programs does the school offer that help it stand out from other schools in the area?
- Have you planned for virtual learning or distance learning, if it becomes necessary?
- What does a typical school day look like?
- When does the school day start and end?
- What are the transportation options? (i.e., bus, drop off, student driving)
- What are the school’s breakfast and lunch options?
- Do you offer a shadow day for my child?
Tuition/Financial Aid:
- How much is tuition and what does it include?
- Do you offer financial aid? If so, what are my chances of getting it, and how much support can I expect?
- Do you offer scholarships?
Safety Policies:
- What is student life like? (i.e., socially, emotionally, intellectually)
- What is your approach to dealing with discipline? (i.e., social problems, behavioral problems, bullying)
- What are your safety policies and regulations?
- Do you have a counseling department?
Curriculum:
- What curriculum do you use?
- How do you integrate technology into your classrooms and curriculum?
- How do you measure individual achievement and progress?
- How do you deal with a child who isn’t meeting academic expectations or who has gaps in his or her knowledge?
- How does the school advance a student’s strengths?
- Do you have a homework policy, and if so, what is it?
- Does religion play any role in your curriculum? If so, does your school have a religious affiliation?
- Do students have the opportunity to try new things or are students geared to concentrate on specific strengths/interests?
Extracurricular:
- What extracurricular activities and clubs do you offer?
- Do you offer community service?
- What activities do you have to help transition new students into the academic and social life of the school?
- Do you have a mentoring program for new students or families?
Parents/Caregivers:
- How can parents get involved in school life?
- What supports do you have for working families? (i.e., aftercare, study hall, before and after-school enrichment activities, online communications)
- What are the next steps in the admissions process?
Click HERE to download a free printable version of these questions.
