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Questions to Ask on School Tours

Campus tours tend to run together. We want to equip parents with the tools and lens to experience each school for what it uniquely offers. 

 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!

School PlacementRebekka Whiteheadschool tours, school open houses, open house, open houses, public schools, public school review, Atlanta public schools, public school, private schools, admissions, ravenna, aaais schools, aaais