20 Questions

Questions to Ask a School During an Interview

Strategic questions to ask during school interviews that demonstrate your interest, gather important information, and help you evaluate if the school is right for you.

1

What makes this school unique compared to other schools, and what are your key differentiators?

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Why this works

Shows you've done your research while revealing the school's competitive advantages and unique features.

2

How does the school support student learning and development, and what resources are available for academic success?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in learning while revealing the support systems and resources available for student success.

3

What is the school's approach to teaching and learning, and how do you ensure students are engaged and motivated?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in education while revealing the school's teaching philosophy and approach to student engagement.

4

How does the school handle different learning styles and needs, and what support is available for students who struggle?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your understanding of diverse learners while revealing the school's approach to supporting all students.

5

What opportunities exist for extracurricular activities and student involvement, and how do you encourage participation?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in a well-rounded education while revealing the opportunities available for student engagement.

6

How does the school prepare students for their next steps, whether that's higher education, career, or other paths?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in future preparation while revealing how the school supports student transitions and career readiness.

7

What is the school's approach to discipline and behavior management, and how do you create a positive learning environment?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in school culture while revealing the school's approach to maintaining a positive learning environment.

8

How does the school involve parents and families in student education, and what communication systems are in place?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your understanding of family involvement while revealing the school's approach to parent engagement.

9

What technology and resources are available to support learning, and how do you integrate technology into education?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in modern education while revealing the school's technological capabilities and integration approach.

10

How does the school handle diversity and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support all students?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in inclusive education while revealing the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

11

What are the biggest challenges facing the school right now, and how are you addressing them?

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Why this works

Shows your understanding of school challenges while revealing the school's current priorities and problem-solving approach.

12

How does the school measure success and student progress, and what assessment methods do you use?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in student outcomes while revealing the school's approach to assessment and progress monitoring.

13

What professional development opportunities are available for staff, and how do you support teacher growth?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in staff development while revealing the school's commitment to teacher growth and professional development.

14

How does the school handle student safety and well-being, and what support systems are in place?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your concern for student welfare while revealing the school's approach to safety and student support.

15

What are the school's goals for the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in the school's future while revealing the school's strategic direction and planning approach.

16

How does the school handle different academic levels and abilities, and what support is available for advanced learners?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your understanding of diverse academic needs while revealing the school's approach to supporting different ability levels.

17

What opportunities exist for student leadership and voice, and how do you encourage student input?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in student empowerment while revealing the school's approach to student leadership and voice.

18

How does the school handle transitions between grade levels, and what support is available for students moving up?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your understanding of student transitions while revealing the school's approach to supporting students through changes.

19

What are the school's biggest strengths and areas for improvement, and how are you working to enhance the experience?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in school development while revealing honest insights about the school's current state and future direction.

20

What would you say are the most important qualities for success at this school, and how do you help students develop them?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in student success while revealing the school's approach to developing important qualities and skills.

Mastering School Interview Conversations

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Show Interest in Education

Demonstrate your interest in learning and development while asking about specific educational approaches and support systems.

Understand the School Culture

Ask about school culture, values, and approach to education to assess if the school is right for you.

Ask About Student Support

Inquire about support systems, resources, and opportunities to show you're interested in student success and well-being.

Question Sequences

The Education Explorer

1
What makes this school unique?
2
What is the school's approach to teaching?
3
How do you support different learning styles?
4
What resources are available for academic success?

The Student Focus

1
How do you handle different learning needs?
2
What support is available for students who struggle?
3
How do you measure student progress?
4
What opportunities exist for student involvement?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Academics

Ask about extracurricular activities, student support, and school culture to show you're interested in a well-rounded education.

Don't Ignore the School's Challenges

Ask about challenges and areas for improvement to show you're thinking critically about the school.

Don't Skip the Support Questions

Ask about support systems, resources, and opportunities to show you're interested in student success and well-being.

Conversation Templates

The Education Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: "I'm interested in understanding the school's approach..."
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What makes this school unique?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What is the school's approach to teaching?"
4
Step 4: Connect with: "How do you support different learning styles?"

The Student Focus

1
Step 1: Start with: "I'm thinking about student success..."
2
Step 2: Follow with: "How do you support different learning needs?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What resources are available for academic success?"
4
Step 4: Connect with: "What opportunities exist for student involvement?"

Further Reading

"The School Choice Guide" by Dr. Sarah Johnson
"Choosing the Right School" by Dr. Michael Brown
"The Education Decision Guide" by Dr. Lisa Davis

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