Questions to Ask a New School as a Parent
Essential questions to evaluate a school's fit for your child, understand policies, and ensure your family's needs will be met in the educational environment.
1What is the school's approach to supporting students with different learning styles?
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What is the school's approach to supporting students with different learning styles?
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Why this works
Crucial for understanding how the school accommodates diverse learners and ensures your child will receive appropriate support regardless of their learning needs.
2How does the school communicate with parents about student progress and concerns?
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How does the school communicate with parents about student progress and concerns?
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Why this works
Essential for staying informed about your child's academic and social development, and understanding how you'll be involved in their education.
3What is the school's policy on homework, and how much can parents expect?
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What is the school's policy on homework, and how much can parents expect?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the school's academic expectations and plan for your family's schedule, ensuring the workload is appropriate for your child's age and needs.
4How does the school handle bullying and peer conflicts?
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How does the school handle bullying and peer conflicts?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding the school's commitment to student safety and social-emotional well-being, ensuring your child will be protected and supported.
5What extracurricular activities and programs are available for students?
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What extracurricular activities and programs are available for students?
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Why this works
Reveals opportunities for your child's holistic development and helps you understand what activities might interest or benefit your child.
6How does the school support students who are struggling academically or socially?
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How does the school support students who are struggling academically or socially?
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Why this works
Shows the school's commitment to all students' success and reveals what resources are available if your child needs additional support.
7What is the school's approach to discipline and behavior management?
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What is the school's approach to discipline and behavior management?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the school's values around respect and responsibility, and ensures the disciplinary approach aligns with your family's values.
8How diverse is the student body and faculty, and how does the school promote inclusion?
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How diverse is the student body and faculty, and how does the school promote inclusion?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the school's commitment to diversity and ensuring your child will learn in an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds.
9What technology and resources are available to students, and how are they used?
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What technology and resources are available to students, and how are they used?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's investment in modern education and helps you understand how technology will support your child's learning.
10How does the school handle parent involvement and what opportunities exist for volunteering?
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How does the school handle parent involvement and what opportunities exist for volunteering?
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Why this works
Shows how welcome parents are in the school community and reveals ways you can contribute to your child's education and the school environment.
11What is the school's approach to standardized testing and academic pressure?
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What is the school's approach to standardized testing and academic pressure?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the school's balance between academic rigor and student well-being, ensuring the approach aligns with your educational values.
12How does the school support students' social and emotional development?
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How does the school support students' social and emotional development?
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Why this works
Shows whether the school addresses the whole child, not just academics, and reveals what support is available for your child's mental health and social skills.
13What safety measures and security protocols are in place?
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What safety measures and security protocols are in place?
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Why this works
Essential for peace of mind, this reveals how the school protects students and creates a secure learning environment for your child.
14How does the school handle special dietary needs, allergies, and health concerns?
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How does the school handle special dietary needs, allergies, and health concerns?
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Why this works
Critical for ensuring your child's health and safety needs will be met, especially if they have specific dietary requirements or medical conditions.
15What is the school's policy on field trips and experiential learning opportunities?
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What is the school's policy on field trips and experiential learning opportunities?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's commitment to hands-on learning and helps you understand what enriching experiences your child will have beyond the classroom.
16How does the school prepare students for transitions, such as moving to the next grade level?
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How does the school prepare students for transitions, such as moving to the next grade level?
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Why this works
Shows the school's support for student transitions and helps you understand how your child will be prepared for academic and social changes.
17What support is available for students who are advanced learners or need enrichment?
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What support is available for students who are advanced learners or need enrichment?
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Why this works
Important for ensuring your child will be appropriately challenged and supported if they are ahead of their peers academically.
18How does the school handle parent-teacher conferences and ongoing communication?
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How does the school handle parent-teacher conferences and ongoing communication?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's approach to parent-teacher partnerships and helps you understand how you'll stay informed about your child's progress.
19What is the school's approach to handling student mistakes and learning from failures?
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What is the school's approach to handling student mistakes and learning from failures?
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Why this works
Shows the school's philosophy on learning and growth, ensuring your child will be supported in developing resilience and learning from challenges.
20How does the school celebrate student achievements and foster a positive learning environment?
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How does the school celebrate student achievements and foster a positive learning environment?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's culture around recognition and motivation, helping you understand how your child's successes will be acknowledged and encouraged.
How to Evaluate Schools as a Parent
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Visit During School Hours
Schedule visits during regular school hours to observe classroom dynamics, student interactions, and the overall learning atmosphere firsthand.
Talk to Current Parents
Connect with parents whose children currently attend the school to get honest insights about their experiences and any concerns they may have.
Bring Your Child
Include your child in the school visit to see how they respond to the environment and whether they feel comfortable and excited about the school.
Question Sequences
The Academic Support Series
The Safety and Well-being Series
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Test Scores
While academic performance matters, also consider the school's approach to social-emotional learning, creativity, and character development.
Don't Ignore Your Gut Feeling
Pay attention to how you and your child feel during the visit. A school might look good on paper but feel wrong when you're actually there.
Don't Skip the Student Perspective
Make sure to talk to current students about their experiences. They often provide the most honest insights about daily life at the school.