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.
1What is the school's educational philosophy and approach to learning?
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What is the school's educational philosophy and approach to learning?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's core values and teaching methods, helping you understand if their approach aligns with your learning style or educational goals.
2What are the average class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios?
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What are the average class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios?
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Why this works
Indicates the level of individual attention students receive, which directly impacts learning quality and teacher availability for support.
3What extracurricular activities and programs are available?
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What extracurricular activities and programs are available?
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Why this works
Shows the school's commitment to holistic development and whether they offer opportunities that match your interests or your child's passions.
4What is the school's track record for college admissions and academic outcomes?
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What is the school's track record for college admissions and academic outcomes?
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Why this works
Provides concrete data on student success rates and helps assess the school's effectiveness in preparing students for future academic or career paths.
5How does the school handle different learning styles and special needs?
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How does the school handle different learning styles and special needs?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's inclusivity and support systems, crucial for ensuring all students can thrive regardless of their learning differences.
6What technology and resources are available to students?
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What technology and resources are available to students?
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Why this works
Indicates the school's investment in modern learning tools and whether students have access to current educational technology and resources.
7How does the school communicate with parents and involve families?
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How does the school communicate with parents and involve families?
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Why this works
Shows the school's approach to parent engagement and transparency, which is essential for staying informed about your child's progress.
8What is the school's approach to discipline and student behavior management?
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What is the school's approach to discipline and student behavior management?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's values around respect, responsibility, and conflict resolution, helping you understand the learning environment's culture.
9What professional development opportunities do teachers receive?
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What professional development opportunities do teachers receive?
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Why this works
Indicates the school's investment in teacher quality and whether educators stay current with best practices and educational innovations.
10How 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 provides support for mental health and social skills.
11What is the school's policy on homework and academic workload?
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What is the school's policy on homework and academic workload?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the school's balance between academic rigor and student well-being, ensuring expectations align with your family's values.
12How diverse is the student body and faculty?
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How diverse is the student body and faculty?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a diverse world.
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
Ensures you understand how the school protects students and creates a secure learning environment for peace of mind.
14How 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
Shows the school's commitment to creating a positive social environment and their strategies for addressing interpersonal issues.
15What opportunities exist for parent involvement and volunteering?
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What opportunities exist for parent involvement and volunteering?
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Why this works
Reveals how welcome parents are in the school community and whether there are meaningful ways to contribute to your child's education.
16How does the school assess and track student progress?
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How does the school assess and track student progress?
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Why this works
Shows the school's approach to evaluation and feedback, helping you understand how student growth is measured and communicated.
17What support services are available for students who need extra help?
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What support services are available for students who need extra help?
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Why this works
Indicates the school's resources for academic support, tutoring, and intervention services for students who may struggle.
18How does the school prepare students for life after graduation?
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How does the school prepare students for life after graduation?
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Why this works
Reveals the school's focus on practical skills, career readiness, and transition support for students' next steps.
19What is the school's approach to field trips and experiential learning?
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What is the school's approach to field trips and experiential learning?
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Why this works
Shows the school's commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experiences that complement classroom instruction.
20How does the school handle feedback and continuous improvement?
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How does the school handle feedback and continuous improvement?
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Why this works
Indicates the school's openness to growth and change, showing whether they actively seek to improve their programs and practices.
How to Evaluate Schools Effectively
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, 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
The Community Culture Sequence
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.