What to Ask About and Look for During a School Visit

Deciding what school is best for your child is an individual choice, but there are some basic questions every family should ask about a school. Before you visit a school, ask for their School Report Card (public schools) or information packet (private schools), where you will find much of this information. Then, review this worksheet and take it along as a guide for what to ask and look for during your visit. (Tip: Make a clean copy of this page for each school you plan to see.)

Questions to Ask

If the school’s Report Card or brochure doesn’t include the information below, ask any or all of the questions below during your school visit. Feel free to add other questions that concern you.

Staff, Services and Communication

Does the school have specialized staff? What days/hours are they available? (Sometimes these professionals serve more than one school.)

Librarian

School nurse

School Psychologist/Counselor

Guidance Counselors

Resource Specialist/Special Education teacher

Physical education teacher

Other _______________________________________________________

Enrichment Programs and Services

What programs are offered? Which activities get the most attention and resources?

Sports ____________________________________

Music ____________________________________

Drama

Field trips and assembly programs

Homework club/tutoring _______________________

Before- and after-school childcare ________________

Gifted program

Yearbook staff

Clubs for specific interests/hobbies _______________

Transportation by school bus _____________________

Other: _______________________________________

Communicating with Parents

The school communicates with parents through:

Parent-teacher conferences, which take place: _____ at the end of each grading period ______ as requested

Parent-teacher communication (phone/Voicemail, email, written notes)

School website, school newspaper, notices sent home with students

Other: _______________________________________

How does the school communicate with non-English speaking parents? ________________________________________________________