Visiting a School

Before your visit:

  • There is homework before you decide to visit a school. Read about the schools you’ll be visiting on the READY school profile page.
  • Contact the schools you are interested in and make an appointment for a visit. If possible, tour the schools during regular school hours and visit a few classes. Avoid visiting schools during the first or last week of a term in order to get a realistic sense of how the school operates.
  • Come prepared to ask questions and write down reactions from your visit. 

READY School Visit Worksheets:

READY has created the following worksheets to help you keep track of all the schools you are visiting. Feel free to print them out and bring them with you on your tours.

Areas to focus on when attending a school visit:

Culture

  • Is the school welcoming?
  • Is the school orderly and neat?
  • Is the secretary helpful and friendly?
  • How is student work displayed?
  • How does the school communicate with students and parents?
  • Are staff and teachers helpful and friendly?

Principal

  • What is the principal’s attitude toward discipline?
  • Does the principal get to know the students?
  • How often does the principal observe teachers?
  • How does the principal respond to parental concerns?
  • What would they list as their school’s strengths?
  • What would they list as their school’s weaknesses?

Teachers

  • What is the teachers preferred communication style (in person, phone/text, email, or school app)?
  • How do teachers inform students on their classroom expectations?
  • How do teachers share curriculum and learning objectives with parents?
  • Do teachers assign homework? How frequent? Is it rigorous? Is it sufficient?
  • Are specialized staff available to address special learning needs of a child (speech therapists, psychologist or aides)?

Students

  • What do students say about school environment?
  • What do students say about the principal?
  • What do students say about the teachers?
  • Do students feel safe and secure at school?

Parent and community involvement

  • Is there a parent coordinator/family facing staff in the school?
  • How does the school encourage parent involvement?
  • What are ways parents can get involved?
  • Does the school hold meetings and events at times when parents can attend?
  • Are families expected to be involved in homework?
  • How frequently does the school communicate with parents?
  • Does the school have an active parent-teacher association (PTA/PTO)?
  • Does the school offer opportunities for parents to volunteer?
  • Does the school partner with local businesses and organizations?
  • Are community leaders involved with school?

Questions specific to Elementary Schools

  • Are there before and after school programs available?
  • How much recess or outdoor time do students have per day?
  • What criteria is used to determine student placement in classes?
  • What are highlights of the school’s curriculum focus?
  • How does the school prepare K-2 students for the 3rd grade state assessments?

Questions specific to Middle Schools

  • Are there before and after school programs available?
  • What are highlights of the school’s curriculum focus?
  • Does the school have certified teachers in content areas such as Algebra and Earth Science?
  • Does the school offer tutoring and support for extra help?
  • Are world languages offered?
  • Are there programs to prepare students to transition to high school academic pace?
  • How does the school prepare for the state assessments?

Questions specific to High Schools

  • Does the school offer in school college preparation programs?
  • Does the school offer Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses?
  • What is the schools graduation rates with local, regence, and advanced regents diplomas?
  • What is the percentage of students who attend 2-year college programs and 4-year college programs?
  • Does the school offer career planning options for students who aren’t college bound?
  • What is the school dropout rate?
  • Does the school provide tutoring?

Questions specific to Charter Schools

  • When and why was this school created?
  • What does the curriculum focus such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Arts, or Career Pathways?
  • Does the school provide tutoring services?
  • Does the school have an on-site special education coordinator that works with students who require related services?
  • Is the school expanding or moving to another location?
  • Who is the charter authorizer that oversees this charter and what is their renewal status?

Provided by the National Parents Union.