Questions to Ask

Below are some factors that you may want to consider when researching districts and schools. Some of the information can be obtained either by visiting the websites mentioned previously, or by reading the School Accountability Report Cards provided by district offices. Much of the information can only be obtained by actually visiting the school.

Services on Campus
Is there child care on the premises or nearby? Are there programs and cooperative relationships with recreation departments, scouts, or other programs? Is there a homework club or other academic after-school effort? Are there programs for parents in the evening?

Special Programs
Does the school have Special Education, Language services, or a gifted/talented program? Does the school feature any other special programs, focus themes, or outside resources? How are these programs structured?

K-3 Classrooms
Is the school participating in class size reduction? If so, how is the need for more classrooms and teachers being addressed?

School Effectiveness
Ask about discipline, homework, and grading policies to make sure the school's priorities are similar to your own.

School Staff
Who is on the staff? Is there a librarian, counselor, speech therapist, nurse, teacher aides, parent volunteers, cross-age or peer tutors? What are teachers and staff doing to keep their skills up-to-date and to broaden their knowledge base?

Standards
How does the school measure student progress? Have academic standards been adopted? How are these measured?

Parent and Community Involvement
Are there parents and community members volunteering in the classrooms, labs, and special events? Is there an active school site council? What does the school site council do? How well attended are its meetings?

School Safety
Are there crossing guards? Is there appropriate playground supervision? Does the school sponsor any student safety programs?

Awards
What awards have been received by students, teachers, and the school itself?

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