THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO PICK THE RIGHT SCHOOL

Beyond what you’re hearing and reading is what you’re seeing. 

The most important thing to do when you’re looking for the right school for your kid is to visit and observe the schools you’ve been shortlisted, and it’s even more important to do it without bias in your head.

Call the schools you are interested in, and schedule a visit appointment. Tour the schools during regular school hours and visit a couple of classes where possible. To get a realistic sense of how the school works, avoid visiting schools during the first or the last week of a term.

A good way to get your questions answered is to arrange an appointment with the principal of the school. When necessary, attend an open house, parent-teacher conference, or other school event that would also provide valuable information on educator, student and parent attitudes.

Listen closely to what school teachers are saying about it. The teachers will be your child’s closest adults, and you’ll want to know if they’re well prepared, dedicated, and happy in their work. Here are some of the right questions to pick the right school

Culture

• How helpful and friendly is the school secretary?
• Is the school quiet and orderly?
• What’s the feel of the Bulletin Boards?
• How is student work displayed?
• How does the school interact (weekly / monthly newsletter, email, website) with students and parents?
• Are the students are courteous, comfortable and disciplined?
• Is there an attitude of acceptance towards all parents?
• How are students with diverse learning needs (e.g. disabled students, and students with minimal English skills) treated?
• Do the teachers seem friendly and amiable?

Teachers

• How do teachers grade student work?
• Do teachers have high expectations for all students to achieve to high academic standards?
• How do teachers inform students of their expectations?
• Do teachers share the course content and objectives with parents?
• When and how frequently are teachers available for parent conferences?
• Do teachers assign homework? Is it rigorous? Frequent? Sufficient?
• Are the teachers highly qualified to teach in their subject areas (do they know the subjects they are teaching)?
• Do teachers have the skills and knowledge to address students with special learning needs?
• Do the teachers know the individual students in their classes?
• Are teachers willing to provide extra help to students?
• What is the school’s policy regarding teacher response to parent inquiries?
• Do teachers have websites with class notes and other information for students and parents?

Students

• What is the attendance rate for students?
• What do students say about the principal?
• What do students say about the teachers?
• Do the students have school spirit?
• What do students say about homework?
• Do students participate in and enjoy field trips?
• Do students feel safe and secure at the school?
• What do student publications say?
• What else do students say about the school?

Parent and community involvement

• How does the school encourage parental involvement?
• What are the ways parents can get involved?
• Are parents encouraged to volunteer?
• Does the school have an active parent- teacher organization?
• Does the school hold meetings and events at times when parents can attend?
• How well attended are back-to school nights by parents?
• Are families expected to be involved with homework?
• How frequently does the school communicate with parents?
• Are community leaders involved with the school?
• Does the school partner with local businesses and organizations?
• Are parents involved in the development of school policies?

Reputation

• How is the school regarded in the community?
• How is the school viewed by other parents?
• Is the school respected by other schools, particularly those that receive its students (when they move to the next level)?
• Has the school won any awards?
• Do people move to the community to go to school?
• What do the graduates of the school say?
• Have graduates from the school made significant contributions to the community and their field of choice?

And if you  are looking for one right now, reach out to us and let us plan a visit. We are sure, as loving parents you will be more than impressed with our school & faculty alike!

Reach us at adminmh@dpssecunderabad.in