Selecting a School for Your Child (continued)

Is the school accessible to children with mobility limitations?

Admissions Procedures for Public Schools of Choice and Private Schools

Is there an application process?

What is the application deadline?

Is anything else required in the application (test scores, interview, recommendations, application fees, etc.)?

Are test scores required for admission?

What are the ranges of scores for admitted students?

Do admissions requirements include a portfolio, an audition or statement of interest?

Are there any other admissions requirements?

Are admissions requirements published in languages other than English?

Additional Questions About Private Schools

What is the tuition?

Is there a payment plan?

Is there a sliding scale for tuition, based on parish, church affiliation, or family income?

What are the other fees and expenses (room and board, uniforms, books, transportation, lab and computer fees, activity fees)?

What scholarships and loans are available?

Are students or their parents required to be of a particular faith?

Does the school have a policy on student participation in religious instruction and worship?

Does the school close for religious and federal holidays?

Does the school have the same schedule as the local public school?

Additional Questions About Home Schools

Have you identified curriculum materials for your child, and how much they will cost?

Is there a suitable place for your child's study and instruction?

Do you, your spouse, or another homeschooling parent have adequate free time to be available to your homeschooling child?

Do other families in your area homeschool their children?

Is there a support group of homeschoolers near you?

If you are interested in some outside instructional support, have you checked your local library, parks department, scouting organizations, public and private schools, and similar resources?

Have you searched the Web for resources on instruction, legal issues, support groups, and other matters?

Have you identified other resources you will need?

Have you checked state regulations? (They are usually available on the web or from your local public school or school district.)

Step 3: Visit and Observe Schools

Contact the schools you are interested in and make an appointment for a visit. If possible, tour the schools during regular school hours and visit a few classes. Avoid visiting schools during the first or last week of a term in order to get a realistic sense of how the school operates.

A good way to have your questions answered is to schedule an appointment with the school principal. If possible, attend an open house, parent-teacher meeting, or other school function that would also provide valuable information about the attitudes of staff, students, and parents.

Listen closely to what teachers say about the school. The teachers will be the adults closest to your child, and you will want to know if they are well prepared, dedicated, and happy in their work.

Culture

Is the school secretary helpful and friendly?

Is the school orderly and neat?

What do the bulletin boards look like?

How is student work displayed?

How does the school communicate with students and parents (weekly/monthly newsletter, e-mail, Web site)?

Do the students appear to be courteous, happy, and disciplined?

Is there a welcoming attitude toward all parents?

How are the students with diverse learning needs (e.g., students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency) treated?

Do the teachers appear to be helpful and friendly?

Principal

What is the principal's philosophy about education?

What is the principal's attitude toward discipline?

In what extracurricular activities is the principal most interested?

What is the principal's reputation in the community?

Is the principal usually at the school and available to talk to parents?

Does the principal get to know the students?

How often does the principal observe teachers?

What does the school do to keep good teachers and improve teacher performance?

How does the principal respond to parental concerns/complaints?

What is the principal's attitude toward students with diverse learning needs (e.g., students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency)?

According to the principal, what are the school's strengths?

According to the principal, what are the school's weaknesses?

According to the principal, where can the school improve?

Teachers

How do teachers grade student work?

Do teachers have high expectations for all students to achieve to high academic standards?

How do teachers inform students of their expectations?

Do teachers share the course content and objectives with parents?