Contents
Before your visit…Areas to focus on when attending a school visit!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.
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.