Choosing a private school requires gathering detailed information beyond what appears in glossy brochures and polished websites. Asking thoughtful questions during tours and interviews reveals crucial details about how schools actually operate. This guide provides specific questions that uncover important information and help you make informed enrollment decisions.
Questions About Academic Programs and Teaching
Ask teachers how they differentiate instruction for students with varying ability levels. Strong schools have concrete strategies for challenging advanced learners while supporting students who need extra help. Vague answers about meeting individual needs may indicate limited actual differentiation practices.
Inquire about the average amount of homework assigned nightly at each grade level. Homework policies vary dramatically between schools and significantly impact family life. Some schools assign minimal homework while others expect extensive nightly assignments beginning in early elementary grades.
Request information about how the school assesses student progress beyond traditional tests and grades. Progressive schools may use portfolios, presentations, or project-based assessments. Understanding evaluation methods helps you determine whether the approach matches your child’s strengths.
Ask what percentage of teachers hold advanced degrees in their subject areas. Teacher qualifications indicate the school’s commitment to academic excellence and professional development. Schools with highly credentialed faculty typically provide more rigorous instruction.
Questions About School Culture and Community
Find out how the school handles bullying, conflicts between students, and disciplinary issues. Specific examples of intervention strategies reveal more than general policies. Schools should articulate clear approaches that balance accountability with age-appropriate guidance.
Ask about the school’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This question applies to socioeconomic diversity, racial and ethnic representation, and different family structures. Schools committed to inclusion have concrete programs and ongoing training rather than just mission statement language.
Inquire about parent involvement expectations and volunteer requirements. Some schools rely heavily on parent volunteers while others prefer minimal parent presence during school hours. Understanding expectations helps you assess whether you can meet the school’s needs given your work schedule and commitments.
Request information about how new families are integrated into the school community. Schools with intentional welcoming programs help newcomers feel included quickly. Ask specifically about buddy programs, new family events, or mentorship opportunities.
Questions About Support Services and Resources
Ask what support services exist for students with learning differences or attention challenges. Schools should have specific personnel, programs, and accommodations available. General statements about supporting all learners without concrete resources may indicate limited actual support.
Inquire about counseling services and social emotional learning programs. Strong schools provide mental health support through trained counselors who are available to students regularly. Ask about counselor to student ratios and how students access support.
Find out what enrichment opportunities exist for gifted students or those with specialized talents. Some schools offer advanced classes, independent study options, or specialized programs in areas like mathematics, sciences, or arts. Others may have limited options beyond grade level curriculum.
Request details about how the school communicates student progress to families. Frequency of report cards, parent teacher conferences, and online grade portals all affect how well you can monitor your child’s academic development. Some schools provide weekly updates while others communicate only at grading periods.
Questions About Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
Ask about the range of extracurricular activities offered and whether participation requires additional fees. Some schools include most activities in tuition while others charge separately for sports, clubs, and special programs. Total costs can vary significantly based on these policies.
Inquire about athletic programs including team levels, practice requirements, and competition schedules. Some schools have highly competitive programs requiring extensive time commitments while others emphasize participation and skill development over winning. Match the athletic culture to your child’s interests and abilities.
Find out whether students can participate in multiple activities simultaneously or if schools limit involvement. Policies vary regarding how many sports or clubs students can join each season. Understanding these limitations helps you assess whether your child can pursue diverse interests.
Ask about performance opportunities for students interested in music, theater, or visual arts. Strong arts programs provide regular chances for students to showcase their work through concerts, plays, and exhibitions. These opportunities build confidence and skills beyond classroom instruction.
Questions About Safety and Facilities
Request detailed information about school security measures and emergency procedures. Schools should have clear protocols for various emergencies including lockdowns, evacuations, and medical situations. Ask about staff training and how frequently schools practice emergency drills.
Inquire about campus supervision during arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess periods. Adequate adult supervision prevents problems and ensures student safety throughout the day. Ask specifically about adult to student ratios during less structured times.
Find out about facilities maintenance and future building plans. Outdated facilities or deferred maintenance may indicate financial challenges. Schools should have regular maintenance schedules and long-term facility improvement plans.
Ask about technology resources including devices, internet access, and educational software. Technology integration varies widely between schools. Some provide individual devices for students while others use shared computer labs or have minimal technology presence.
Questions About College Preparation and Guidance
For high schools, ask about the college counseling program including when it begins and how many counselors serve students. Strong programs start college planning in ninth grade with dedicated counselors who have manageable caseloads. Large student to counselor ratios limit individual attention.
Inquire about the percentage of graduates attending four-year colleges and which types of institutions they typically attend. This data reveals whether the school successfully prepares students for competitive college admissions. Ask for specific college lists from recent graduating classes.
Find out about Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual enrollment opportunities. These programs allow students to earn college credit while in high school. Ask about passage rates on AP exams or IB assessments to gauge program quality.
Request information about standardized test preparation support. Some schools integrate test prep into curriculum while others expect families to arrange private tutoring. Understanding what the school provides helps you budget for additional test preparation if needed.
Questions About Faculty and Staff
Ask about average teacher tenure and annual turnover rates. High turnover often indicates problems with school leadership, compensation, or working conditions. Students benefit from consistent relationships with teachers who stay multiple years.
Inquire about professional development opportunities and support for teachers. Strong schools invest in ongoing teacher training and provide resources for continuous improvement. Ask what recent training teachers have received and how the school supports innovative teaching practices.
Find out about the faculty hiring process and what qualifications the school prioritizes. Schools should have rigorous hiring procedures that ensure quality instruction. Ask whether teachers are certified and what experience levels the school seeks.
Request information about class assignments and whether students can request specific teachers. Some schools accommodate parent requests while others assign students without input. Understanding this policy helps set appropriate expectations.
Questions About Financial Policies and Tuition
Ask about the school’s tuition increase history over the past five years. This information helps you project future costs and assess long term affordability. Schools with consistent, modest increases demonstrate financial stability and respect for family budgets.
Inquire about financial aid availability including what percentage of families receive assistance and average award amounts. This data indicates whether the school genuinely supports economic diversity or if financial aid reaches only a small fraction of families with extreme need.
Find out about refund policies if you need to withdraw your child during the school year. Policies vary dramatically with some schools offering prorated refunds while others require full annual tuition regardless of withdrawal timing. Understanding these terms protects you from unexpected financial obligations.
Request detailed information about additional fees beyond tuition. Ask specifically about technology fees, activities, athletics, field trips, and any other potential costs. Itemized fee schedules help you create accurate education budgets.
Questions About School Philosophy and Values
Ask how the school defines success for students and what outcomes it prioritizes. Schools emphasizing character development, academic achievement, creative expression, or social responsibility reveal their core values through these responses. Match these values to your family’s priorities.
Inquire about the school’s approach to homework, testing, and academic pressure. Some schools create highly competitive environments while others emphasize collaboration and intrinsic motivation. Understanding the academic culture helps you determine whether your child will thrive.
Find out how the school balances tradition with innovation. Some private schools pride themselves on maintaining longstanding practices while others embrace change and new educational approaches. Neither is inherently better, but one may suit your family’s preferences more than the other.
Request information about the school’s religious or philosophical foundations if applicable. Understanding how these beliefs integrate into daily school life helps you assess alignment with your family’s values. Ask specific questions about religious instruction, chapel attendance, or service requirements.
Questions About Communication and Partnership
Ask how the school handles disagreements or concerns raised by parents. Strong schools have clear procedures for addressing issues and welcome parent input respectfully. Defensive responses or lack of clear processes may indicate problematic school culture.
Inquire about regular communication channels between school and home. Schools should provide consistent updates through newsletters, emails, or online portals. Ask how quickly teachers typically respond to parent communications and their preferred contact methods.
Find out about parent teacher conference schedules and whether additional meetings can be requested as needed. Regular formal communication opportunities supplement informal updates and ensure everyone stays informed about student progress.
Request information about how the school involves families in decision making or policy development. Some schools have active parent advisory boards while others make decisions primarily through administration. Understanding governance structures reveals how much influence families have on school operations.
Evaluating the Answers You Receive
Pay attention not just to what school representatives say but how they respond to questions. Thoughtful, detailed answers demonstrate transparency and confidence. Evasive responses or irritation at questions may indicate the school has something to hide.
Notice whether different staff members provide consistent information. Contradictory answers from various personnel suggest poor internal communication or lack of shared vision. Strong schools have aligned messaging across faculty and administration.
Trust your instincts about whether responses feel genuine or rehearsed. Authentic communication builds trust while scripted answers may obscure important realities about school operations.
Ask follow-up questions when initial responses seem incomplete or vague. Schools committed to finding the right fit for families welcome deeper inquiry rather than discouraging questions.
Remember that asking questions demonstrates your engagement and commitment to finding the best educational environment for your child. Schools should welcome involved, thoughtful parents who care deeply about their children’s education and want to make informed decisions.
