Tale of Seven Kindergartens - Part II: Questions for the School Tour

As I said before, I feel that school tours are an essential part of deciding which schools are your first, second and third choices.  I have compiled a list from a few sources of questions or things to consider when going on your tours.  This list is VERY extensive and I do not mean to imply that these are all the things you should ask.  Some of these questions are basic and most likely will be answered during your tour.  And some of these things you will be more concerned about than others.  Looking at this list, I almost feel bad that my mental list was a small fraction of this size.  It might seem banal, but many parents, including myself, largely rely on how they feel when visiting a school.  Do we feel comfortable in this school?  Could we envision sending our child there?  Will they fit in?  For many families, choosing a school is an investment, not only in your child’s education, but of your time, energy, and even money when you factor in fundraising, school events, etc.

I firmly believe that children learn in unique ways and experience optimal success in an environment that is best suited to their personality.  Parents obviously know their child best.  If you are really not sure about your child’s learning style or what would be the best choice for her or him, then ask: where YOU would feel most comfortable? 

As always, contact me with questions, comments, concerns – or if you have thought of other questions to add to this list.  kcasiglia@yahoo.com

General Education and Philosophy

- What is the school’s mission or philosophy about how children learn? How is this reflected in the curriculum and teaching methods?

- Does the staff focus on educating the “whole child”?  Do teachers tend to the artistic and emotional needs of children in addition to their intellectual and social needs?

- What is the typical schedule for a school day?

- How are the different subjects such as reading, writing, math and science taught?  Do you use worksheets? Textbooks? Literature?

- By what chronological age (rather than grade) are most of the children reading?

- Do children work together in groups?  On what types of projects?

- How much homework do children have in the various grades?

- How does the school monitor and measure students’ progress toward meeting grade-level standards?  How important are standardized test scores?  What other ways does the school evaluate student progress (journals, portfolios of completed work)?

- What criteria are used to determine student placement in classes?

- What happens if a child is ahead of grade level in a subject?  What if a child has difficulties keeping up, or has a learning disability?  Is this handled differently for different subjects?  Is there assistance available at the school, or are families to find tutors/specialists themselves?

- What percentage of kindergarteners remain at this school through the elementary years? Beyond (for K-8 schools)?

- How much cross-grade interaction is there?  Are there older “buddies” for the younger students?

- How large are the classes in each grade?  How many teachers or paraprofessionals (assistants) in each grade?

- How are computers and technology used to support teaching and learning at this school?  Do students have access to the internet?

Enrichment Programs

- Do you offer foreign languages?  At what grade to students begin studying foreign language?

- How do arts fit into the curriculum?  How often do children have art and music classes?  What types of things do they do in these classes?  Do any of these extend into special programs after school (such as school choir, orchestra, band, plays)?

- What kinds of physical education or sports does the school offer?  How often do children have physical education class and what types of activities do they do?  Are there any organized athletic teams or activities after school?

- How much recess do students get in the various grades?

- Do the students take field trips?  Do families need to contribute or fundraise to pay for these trips?

- Is there a community service component?  Do students interact with the neighborhood in any way?

Faculty and Staff

- How experienced are the teachers?  On average how long have the teachers been at this school?

- Do the teachers collaborate?  Are they involved in making curriculum or policy decisions?

- How is the school unique?  What are its special strengths?  What are some of the biggest challenges?

- Has the school been through any significant changes lately (key personnel, organizational change…)?  Is the school planning any major changes?

Social Issues

- What is the school’s approach to student discipline?  Do they redirect the child’s focus from negative to positive by changing the student’s seat, for example?  Or do they use punishment, such as giving a child an extra assignment or making him leave the room? 

- What type of child fits well here?  (In terms of temperament, academic ability, etc.)

- How does the school help children deal with conflict?  Does the school have specific guidelines or programs in place to help children develop communication skills and work through conflicts?

- How does this school support students who have social or emotional difficulties?  How do you deal with issues such as a child being excluded from other children’s play?

Safety and Building Maintenance

- What is the sign-in/sign-out policy for visitors?  How does the school ensure that all visitors go to their stated destination?

- Are doors locked at all times?  Are there security cameras installed?  Any other safety/security features?

- Has the school been through any significant modifications to the facility recently?  Are there any modifications planned for the future?

Family Engagement and Community

- How does this school keep parents informed of school information and activities?  Are there regular newsletters or other publications?

- Is there an active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)?  What are its activities? Are there any upcoming events I could attend to get a feel for the school?

- How much does the school value parent involvement?  Does the school respond to issues that parents raise?

- What other ways can parents be involved at this school?  Are parents involved in the classroom?

- How do parents and teachers communicate?  How often do parents meet with their child’s teacher?

- How socioeconomically and ethnically diverse is the community at this school?

- Is the school supportive of non-traditional families, single parents, gay and lesbian parents, etc.?

Things to look for or ask yourself:

- Classrooms: Are they cheerful and inviting?  Is student work displayed and does it seem appropriate for the grade level?    Is this the kind of work your child would find interesting and benefit from doing?

- Faculty and Staff: Does the principal seem confident and interested in interacting with students, teachers and parents?  Are teachers enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking questions that stimulate students and keep them engaged?

- Will my child fit in?  Does your child’s personal learning style coincide with the school’s philosophy?