Get ready for your child’s open house and learn which questions you should ask their teachers.

for preschools
-What is your educational philosophy? How does it shape your curriculum, activities and class size?

-Are academics introduced? If so, how and when?

-What types of active play do the kids do?

-Is there outdoor playtime/exploration time?

-What are the discipline and illness policies?

-Are all teachers/assistants certified in child care and CPR? Have they had background checks?

-What is the teacher turnover rate?

-Is the school able to accept children with special needs?

for elementary/lower & middle schools
-What is your educational philosophy? How does it shape your curriculum, activities and class size?

-What library resources are available?

-Are the arts (music, art, drama, dance) a part of the curriculum?

-What extra-curricular activities are available? (sports teams, academic clubs, volunteer opportunities, etc.)

-Does the school have a program for gifted students?

-Does the school have an anti-bullying policy?

-Is there support for students who require it? (those who may struggle with a subject, or students with learning disabilities or other special needs?

-What is the technology policy? (i.e. laptops/tablets required, cell phone policy)

for upper/high schools
-What is your educational philosophy?

-Is there support for students who require it? (those who may struggle with a subject, or students with learning disabilities or other special needs)

-How does the school help in college preparation? Is there a fulltime college counselor on staff?

-What Advanced Placement (AP) courses or honors classes are offered?

-What percentage of students take the SAT or the ACT? What are the average scores?

-What are some of the college & universities recent grads have been accepted to?

-What extra-curricular activities are offered?

for charter schools
The questions above will apply to charter schools as well. Additionally, because a charter operates differently than a public or private school, parents might want to ask specific questions regarding the establishment and operations of the school they’re visiting.

-When and why was the school founded?

-How does the school hire teachers and are they certificated?

-Is the current location the permanent location?

-What is the maximum number of students allowed to attend?

-Will grades be added?