#SCHOOL SITE VISITS PROFESSIONAL#

What professional development opportunities do teachers have? In what ways do teachers collaborate?.

What strategies are used to teach students who are not fluent in English?.

How does this school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties?.

Does the school have a program for gifted students?.

Is bullying a problem at the school? Does the school have an anti-bullying policy?.

#SCHOOL SITE VISITS FREE#

How do students get to school? Is free school busing available?.

What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service, competitions) are available for students?.How do the arts fit into the curriculum? Is there a school choir, band or orchestra? A drama program? Art classes?.How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school?.What kind of library resources are available to students?.How much homework do students have? What is the school’s philosophy/approach to homework?.What is this school’s approach to student discipline and safety? Do they practice restorative justice? Are the discipline practices fair for families of color? Do they practice corporal punishment, and if so, can you opt out of that for your child?.What curriculum does the school use for math, reading, science, etc? Ask if the school follows the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and which program(s) are they using to teach children to read?.Does this school have a particular educational philosophy or mission?.Jot down your questions before your visit (the sample questions below will help you create your list). Call the school or go online to schedule a visit. Most schools conduct regular school tours and open houses during the enrollment season - typically in the fall. Talk to other parents and check your local newspaper for articles about the schools.

Read about the schools you’ll be visiting. Use this printable guide to help you plan your elementary, middle, or high school visit. It’s also the only way to get a feel for a school’s climate - intangible but important factors like the dynamism of the teaching, engagement of the students, quality of communication, level of respect between students, teachers, administrators, and parents, and the overall sense that the school offers a safe and inspiring learning environment. Even a short visit will help you identify a school’s strengths and challenges. A visit is the best way to determine whether a school is right for your child. Be sure to visit all the schools on your list, if you can.

School site visits