Get ready for your child’s open house and learn which questions you should ask their teachers.
for preschools
-What is your educational philosophy? How does it shape your curriculum, activities and class size?
-Are academics introduced? If so, how and when?
-What types of active play do the kids do?
-Is there outdoor playtime/exploration time?
-What are the discipline and illness policies?
-Are all teachers/assistants certified in child care and CPR? Have they had background checks?
-What is the teacher turnover rate?
-Is the school able to accept children with special needs?
for elementary/lower & middle schools
-What is your educational philosophy? How does it shape your curriculum, activities and class size?
-What library resources are available?
-Are the arts (music, art, drama, dance) a part of the curriculum?
-What extra-curricular activities are available? (sports teams, academic clubs, volunteer opportunities, etc.)
-Does the school have a program for gifted students?
-Does the school have an anti-bullying policy?
-Is there support for students who require it? (those who may struggle with a subject, or students with learning disabilities or other special needs?
-What is the technology policy? (i.e. laptops/tablets required, cell phone policy)
for upper/high schools
-What is your educational philosophy?
-Is there support for students who require it? (those who may struggle with a subject, or students with learning disabilities or other special needs)
-How does the school help in college preparation? Is there a fulltime college counselor on staff?
-What Advanced Placement (AP) courses or honors classes are offered?
-What percentage of students take the SAT or the ACT? What are the average scores?
-What are some of the college & universities recent grads have been accepted to?
-What extra-curricular activities are offered?
for charter schools
The questions above will apply to charter schools as well. Additionally, because a charter operates differently than a public or private school, parents might want to ask specific questions regarding the establishment and operations of the school they’re visiting.
-When and why was the school founded?
-How does the school hire teachers and are they certificated?
-Is the current location the permanent location?
-What is the maximum number of students allowed to attend?
-Will grades be added?