Visiting a School

Before your visit…

1. There is homework before you decide to visit a school. Read about the schools you’ll be visiting on the READY school profile page.
2. 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.
3. 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.