Questions to Ask Your Principal as a Student
Thoughtful questions to ask your school principal about leadership, education, and school community to learn from their experience and perspective.
1What inspired you to become a principal, and how did you get into educational leadership?
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What inspired you to become a principal, and how did you get into educational leadership?
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Why this works
Understanding their motivation and career path can provide inspiration and insights into educational leadership and career development.
2What is your vision for our school, and how do you plan to achieve it?
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What is your vision for our school, and how do you plan to achieve it?
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Why this works
Learning about their vision helps you understand the school's direction and how you can contribute to its success.
3How do you approach student discipline and maintaining a positive school culture?
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How do you approach student discipline and maintaining a positive school culture?
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Why this works
Understanding their discipline approach helps you know what to expect and how to contribute to a positive school environment.
4What role do students play in school decision-making, and how can we get involved?
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What role do students play in school decision-making, and how can we get involved?
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Why this works
Learning about student involvement helps you understand opportunities for leadership and participation in school governance.
5How do you handle conflicts between students or between students and staff?
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How do you handle conflicts between students or between students and staff?
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Why this works
Understanding their conflict resolution approach helps you know how to address issues and seek help when needed.
6What are your biggest challenges as a principal, and how do you overcome them?
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What are your biggest challenges as a principal, and how do you overcome them?
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Why this works
Learning about their challenges can provide insights into leadership and help you understand the complexities of school management.
7How do you support teachers and ensure they have what they need to succeed?
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How do you support teachers and ensure they have what they need to succeed?
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Why this works
Understanding their teacher support approach helps you appreciate the importance of teacher well-being and student success.
8What advice would you give to students who want to make a positive impact on our school?
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What advice would you give to students who want to make a positive impact on our school?
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Why this works
Their guidance can provide valuable insights for your own leadership and community involvement.
9How do you approach diversity and inclusion in our school community?
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How do you approach diversity and inclusion in our school community?
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Why this works
Understanding their inclusion approach helps you know how to contribute to a welcoming and supportive school environment.
10What are your goals for improving our school, and how can students help?
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What are your goals for improving our school, and how can students help?
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Why this works
Learning about their improvement goals helps you understand how you can contribute to school success and positive change.
11How do you handle student concerns and feedback about school policies?
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How do you handle student concerns and feedback about school policies?
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Why this works
Understanding their feedback approach helps you know how to voice concerns and contribute to school improvement.
12What role does technology play in our school, and how do you see it evolving?
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What role does technology play in our school, and how do you see it evolving?
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Why this works
Learning about their technology approach helps you understand the school's direction and how technology supports learning.
13How do you approach student safety and security in our school?
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How do you approach student safety and security in our school?
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Why this works
Understanding their safety approach helps you know what to expect and how to contribute to a safe school environment.
14What are your thoughts on standardized testing and how it affects our education?
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What are your thoughts on standardized testing and how it affects our education?
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Why this works
Learning about their testing perspective helps you understand the school's approach to assessment and academic success.
15How do you support students who are struggling academically or personally?
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How do you support students who are struggling academically or personally?
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Why this works
Understanding their support approach helps you know what resources are available and how to seek help when needed.
16What are your thoughts on homework and how it supports student learning?
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What are your thoughts on homework and how it supports student learning?
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Why this works
Learning about their homework philosophy helps you understand the school's approach to learning and academic success.
17How do you approach parent and community involvement in our school?
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How do you approach parent and community involvement in our school?
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Why this works
Understanding their community approach helps you see how the school connects with families and the broader community.
18What are your thoughts on extracurricular activities and their role in education?
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What are your thoughts on extracurricular activities and their role in education?
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Why this works
Learning about their activity perspective helps you understand the value of extracurricular involvement and school participation.
19How do you approach teacher evaluation and ensuring quality education?
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How do you approach teacher evaluation and ensuring quality education?
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Why this works
Understanding their evaluation approach helps you appreciate the importance of teacher quality and student success.
20What would you like students to know about your role and how you support our school?
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What would you like students to know about your role and how you support our school?
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Why this works
This question allows them to share their perspective on their role and how they contribute to the school community.
Learning from School Leadership
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Principal Conversations
Show Respect and Interest
Demonstrate genuine curiosity about their role and experiences while showing respect for their time and responsibilities.
Ask Follow-up Questions
When they share something interesting, ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding and learn more.
Be Prepared
Think about what you want to learn and prepare thoughtful questions that show you've considered their role and responsibilities.