The decision of where to send your child to receive their education is a big one, so you want to be prepared when visiting a potential school. While most schools will provide an overview of their academic offerings, here are some questions you might want to consider asking to help ensure that you make the right choice:
- What is the teacher to student ratio, or what is the average class size?
- What clubs are offered at the school?
- What percentage of students participate in clubs and athletics?
- How many honors and AP classes are offered?
- Are there any school-sponsored trips or outside activities?
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
- If your child is interested in a specific area (arts, science, mathematics, etc.), ask about what extracurricular activities they will have the opportunity to participate in.
- What opportunities are there for parent involvement?
- What special awards or recognitions has the school won recently?
- Does the school partner with the community to do any outreach or special events?
- Is there the opportunity for your child to shadow a student to see what a full school day would be like?
- Are there parents you can contact to tell you about their child’s experience at the school?
- What will your student be expected to know before they enter the school?
- What types of services are offered for students with special needs?
- What percentage of students are in honors and AP classes?
- What remediation opportunities are in place?
Rachele Alpine Mielke is a teacher by day, wife and mother by night, and writer during any time she can find in between. She’s an author of five middle grade and YA novels. rachelealpine.com
