Questions to Ask About a School

Questions to Ask About a School

Essential questions to evaluate a school's quality, culture, and fit for your educational goals or your child's needs.

1

What is the school's educational philosophy and approach to learning?

Reveals the school's core values and teaching methods, helping you understand if their approach aligns with your learning style or educational goals.

2

What are the average class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios?

Indicates the level of individual attention students receive, which directly impacts learning quality and teacher availability for support.

3

What extracurricular activities and programs are available?

Shows the school's commitment to holistic development and whether they offer opportunities that match your interests or your child's passions.

4

What is the school's track record for college admissions and academic outcomes?

Provides concrete data on student success rates and helps assess the school's effectiveness in preparing students for future academic or career paths.

5

How does the school handle different learning styles and special needs?

Reveals the school's inclusivity and support systems, crucial for ensuring all students can thrive regardless of their learning differences.

6

What technology and resources are available to students?

Indicates the school's investment in modern learning tools and whether students have access to current educational technology and resources.

7

How does the school communicate with parents and involve families?

Shows the school's approach to parent engagement and transparency, which is essential for staying informed about your child's progress.

8

What is the school's approach to discipline and student behavior management?

Reveals the school's values around respect, responsibility, and conflict resolution, helping you understand the learning environment's culture.

9

What professional development opportunities do teachers receive?

Indicates the school's investment in teacher quality and whether educators stay current with best practices and educational innovations.

10

How does the school support students' social and emotional development?

Shows whether the school addresses the whole child, not just academics, and provides support for mental health and social skills.

11

What is the school's policy on homework and academic workload?

Helps you understand the school's balance between academic rigor and student well-being, ensuring expectations align with your family's values.

12

How diverse is the student body and faculty?

Reveals the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a diverse world.

13

What safety measures and security protocols are in place?

Ensures you understand how the school protects students and creates a secure learning environment for peace of mind.

14

How does the school handle bullying and peer conflicts?

Shows the school's commitment to creating a positive social environment and their strategies for addressing interpersonal issues.

15

What opportunities exist for parent involvement and volunteering?

Reveals how welcome parents are in the school community and whether there are meaningful ways to contribute to your child's education.

16

How does the school assess and track student progress?

Shows the school's approach to evaluation and feedback, helping you understand how student growth is measured and communicated.

17

What support services are available for students who need extra help?

Indicates the school's resources for academic support, tutoring, and intervention services for students who may struggle.

18

How does the school prepare students for life after graduation?

Reveals the school's focus on practical skills, career readiness, and transition support for students' next steps.

19

What is the school's approach to field trips and experiential learning?

Shows the school's commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experiences that complement classroom instruction.

20

How does the school handle feedback and continuous improvement?

Indicates the school's openness to growth and change, showing whether they actively seek to improve their programs and practices.

Want to learn more?

How to Evaluate Schools Effectively

Best Practices

Visit During School Hours

Schedule visits during regular school hours to observe classroom dynamics, teacher-student interactions, and the overall learning atmosphere.

Talk to Multiple Stakeholders

Speak with administrators, teachers, current students, and parents to get diverse perspectives on the school's strengths and challenges.

Ask Follow-up Questions

Don't accept vague answers. Ask for specific examples, data, and concrete evidence to support claims about school performance.

Question Sequences

The Academic Focus Sequence

1
What is your educational philosophy?
2
How do you measure student success?
3
What support do you provide for struggling students?
4
How do you challenge advanced learners?

The Community Culture Sequence

1
How do you build a positive school culture?
2
What is your approach to discipline?
3
How do you handle conflicts between students?
4
What role do parents play in the school community?

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 feel during your 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.

Evaluation Templates

The Comprehensive School Visit

1
Step 1: Schedule a formal tour with an administrator
2
Step 2: Observe at least one classroom in action
3
Step 3: Meet with a teacher in your child's grade level
4
Step 4: Talk to 2-3 current students
5
Step 5: Speak with other parents if possible

The Academic Assessment Framework

1
Step 1: Review curriculum materials and textbooks
2
Step 2: Ask about teaching methods and approaches
3
Step 3: Inquire about assessment and grading practices
4
Step 4: Learn about homework policies and expectations
5
Step 5: Understand support services for different learners

Further Reading

"The School Choice Roadmap" by Andrew Campanella
"Choosing the Right School for Your Child" by Maria Montessori
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) resources
GreatSchools.org school comparison tools