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SCHOOL TALK - TOUR
Having identified a list of schools you would like to
consider, the next step is to set foot on campus and find out more about them. Most
schools have open house during the Fall. You can also call the admission office to
schedule an appointment. The visit should take place while the school is in session so you
can truly experience the school.
As brochures don't paint the entire picture, touring can
be the most crucial factor in deciding whether the school matches you and your child's
collective needs. According to many educational consultants, the visit is not only a tour
of the campus, but also a tour of the people. The school visit provides the only way to
get first-hand information and allows you to sense the personality of the school. It's
important that you research the school ahead of time so you can get the most out of your
visit.
By now you have identified your child's specific needs and
what you're seeking in a school. So study the schools' brochures and websites to get
answers to your basic questions. At your visit, be prepared with a list of questions that
remained unanswered and don't hesitate to ask about the little things that can make a
difference for your child. As the best decision is an informed one, the more information
you have, the more likely you will find the school that best meets your child's academic
and personal needs.
The list below is a guide to help you evaluate the schools
you are visiting. Add to the list and take it with you on your visits. It's a good idea to
keep notes on every school you tour and give yourself some time after each visit to absorb
what you saw.
Overall Impression
 | Do you feel safe and comfortable walking into the school? |
| How does the school atmosphere feel like -- competitive,
nurturing, structured, or laid back? |
| Are the buildings clean and well maintained? |
| Do the facilities (library, science lab, computer lab,
playground, gym, etc.) look up-to-date and well-used? |
| Are the students happy and relaxed? |
| How do students and teachers interact? How do students
interact with each other? (inside and outside the classroom) |
| How diverse is the student body? |
Mission and Philosophy
| What are the school's educational goals? How does the
school achieve them? Does the school live up to its mission? |
| Is there a focus on a particular teaching method? Is there
a special emphasis in the curriculum? |
| What are the school's short and long term goals? How are
these goals devised? |
| Who determine school policies? What role do teachers,
administrators, students, and parents have in planning the school curriculum? |
Facts and Figures
| Is the school accredited? If so, by whom? |
| How do students perform on standardized tests? |
| What is the average class size? What is the student to
teacher ratio? |
| What are the qualifications of the faculty? Are they
teaching outside the field of their major? What is the average tenure? Is there a good mix
of seasoned and new teachers? |
| What schools do recent graduates attend? |
| Is the school fiscally sound? Is there an endowment and how
is it used? |
Inside the Classroom
| Are students attentive in class? Are they interested in
what they are doing? |
| Do the teachers seem enthusiastic? Are they responsive to
the students? |
| How large are the classes? Do the classrooms seem
organized? |
| What are the classes offered? Are there programs for
students with special needs (gifted, learning disabilities, tutoring, counseling, etc.)? |
| Are computers used as part of instruction? Do students have
access to the internet? If so, are they protected from inappropriate websites? |
| How does the school stimulate the top students? How does
the school help students who are having difficulties or are not living up to their
potential? |
| How much homework is assigned? How often are tests and
quizzes given? How does the school evaluate a student's achievement and progress? |
Beyond the Classroom
| What athletics and extracurricular activities are offered?
Does one have to be a superjock to participate in sports? |
| Does the school get involved with its community? Are
students require to perform community service? |
| How often do parents get reports from the teachers? How are
parents involved in the school? Are parents required to volunteer? |
| What role does religion have on the school program? |
| How does the school foster ethical and moral behavior? What
are the standards for student behavior and rules for discipline? Is discipline enforced
appropriately? |
| Are scholarships and financial aid available? If so, who is
eligible? |
| What kinds of students does the school serve best? Does
what the school offers complement my child's strengths and fill my child's needs? |
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