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The Best Questions to Ask on a School Tour

If you are considering enrolling your child at a new school, you need to consider some questions before you even visit the school. For example,

  • Where is it located? Is the distance feasible for your family?

  • Does the school have a track record of showing academic progress?

  • What teaching methodology does the school embrace?

  • What is the procedure for enrolling students? Do they offer rolling admissions?

If you decide that a school might be feasible for your family (and is worth an add to your school short list), plan a visit to the school campus. For your visit make sure that you get to meet the principal and a few teachers. Arrange for a tour of the school to get a feel for its facilities. Look around classrooms and examine the quality and quantity of textbooks, technology and supplies. Be sure to look out for the following details:

  • The educational philosophy or mission;

  • The procedures regarding student discipline and safety;

  • How student progress is encouraged and monitored;

  • Library resources, including technology for student use;

  • Use of technology to support teaching and learning in the classroom;

  • Available extracurricular and enrichment activities such as music, the arts, student clubs and organizations, sports and other activities;

  • Transportation policies and procedures;

  • Policies to support students with academic, social or emotional difficulties;

  • Professional development opportunities for teachers;

  • Academic progress compared to requirements set forth by the charter.

To get complete knowledge about the school, you should observe elements like:

  • Do teachers seem enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking questions to keep the interest of the students and keep them engaged?

  • Does the principal seem confident and interested in interacting with students, teachers and parents?

  • How do students behave in class, in the halls and in other common areas around the campus?

  • How well are the facilities maintained?

Feel free to print out these questions to keep in your back pocket as you start lining up your school tours!

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