Questions to Ask a Private School
Critical questions to ask private schools about curriculum, philosophy, class size, teacher qualifications, college placement, financial aid, and culture to find the best educational fit for your child.
1What is your educational philosophy and approach to learning?
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What is your educational philosophy and approach to learning?
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Why this works
Core values and teaching methods must align with your child's needs and your values.
2What is your average class size and student-to-teacher ratio?
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What is your average class size and student-to-teacher ratio?
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Why this works
Smaller classes enable individualized attention and support.
3What are the qualifications and average tenure of your faculty?
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What are the qualifications and average tenure of your faculty?
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Why this works
Teacher quality and stability drive educational outcomes.
4How do you support students with different learning styles or needs?
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How do you support students with different learning styles or needs?
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Why this works
Differentiation and support systems ensure every child can thrive.
5What is your college placement rate and where do graduates typically attend?
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What is your college placement rate and where do graduates typically attend?
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Why this works
Outcomes reveal how well the school prepares students for next steps.
6What extracurricular activities, sports, and enrichment programs are available?
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What extracurricular activities, sports, and enrichment programs are available?
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Why this works
Whole-child development includes opportunities beyond academics.
7How much is tuition, and what additional costs should we expect?
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How much is tuition, and what additional costs should we expect?
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Why this works
Fees, uniforms, trips, and technology add to base tuition—get the full picture.
8What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available?
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What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available?
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Why this works
Affordability matters—understand what support exists.
9How do you measure and communicate student progress?
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How do you measure and communicate student progress?
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Why this works
Assessment and reporting methods affect transparency and partnership.
10What is your approach to discipline and character development?
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What is your approach to discipline and character development?
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Why this works
Values education and behavioral expectations must align with your family.
11How do you foster diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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How do you foster diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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Why this works
School culture around difference and belonging matters for all students.
12What is your homework and academic workload philosophy?
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What is your homework and academic workload philosophy?
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Why this works
Balance between rigor and childhood matters—understand expectations.
13How involved are parents expected to be in school life?
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How involved are parents expected to be in school life?
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Why this works
Volunteer requirements and communication norms vary widely.
14What is the admissions process, and how selective is the school?
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What is the admissions process, and how selective is the school?
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Why this works
Competition for spots and evaluation criteria affect chances of acceptance.
15Can we meet current teachers and observe classes?
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Can we meet current teachers and observe classes?
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Why this works
Firsthand observation reveals teaching quality and classroom culture.
16What support exists for college counseling and planning?
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What support exists for college counseling and planning?
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Why this works
Guidance resources affect application success and fit.
17How does the school handle bullying, mental health, and student well-being?
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How does the school handle bullying, mental health, and student well-being?
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Why this works
Safety and emotional support are foundational to learning.
18What is your student retention rate, and why do families leave?
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What is your student retention rate, and why do families leave?
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Why this works
High turnover signals problems—understand why families stay or go.
19How do you integrate technology into learning?
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How do you integrate technology into learning?
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Why this works
Digital literacy and tools matter for modern education.
20What makes your school unique compared to other private schools?
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What makes your school unique compared to other private schools?
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Why this works
Forces them to articulate differentiators and value proposition.
Choosing the Right Private School
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Visit Multiple Schools
Compare options to understand what's standard vs. exceptional.
Involve Your Child
Their comfort and excitement matter—let them visit and voice preferences.
Talk to Current Parents
Insider perspectives reveal truths about culture, communication, and satisfaction.
Key Decision Factors
What to Evaluate
Common Pitfalls
Choosing Based on Prestige Alone
Brand name doesn't guarantee fit—prioritize your child's specific needs and learning style.
Ignoring Financial Strain
Stretching too far financially creates stress—ensure tuition is sustainable long-term.