Questions to Ask School Administrators
As parents go through the school admission process, they get a limited amount of face-time with administrators so its important to make the most use of each point of contact. Given that school websites and brochures cover a large amount of information, I have identified a set of questions that will help parents get to the heart of a school in a short conversation.
Parent Map, the Greater Seattle information source for parents is hosting its annual Education Extravaganza. One fair in Bellevue will be a one-stop-shop for parents in the hunt for the right school.
I will be at the Extravaganza speakig on the topic of Choosing the Right Elementary School, Tuesday next week, October 11. I will also host a booth for the Art of Education. The fair is from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Talks happen from 6:00 – 6:30 pm.Please stop by for a conversation!
The fair will host over 80 schools and education service providers. It will be a busy 2 hours (if that) for parents. A 2-3 minute conversation is the most that can be expected at each school both. Here are questions that can help you get a deeper feel for the school in that short time:
What is one characteristic that sets you apart from other schools?: Schools begin to feel similar after you have spoken to about 5-7 of them. Find the one thing that sets each one apart. Let the school name the characteristic for you — this will reveal the value the school stands behind the most.
Who is your ideal parent?: A school fits a child because it also fits the family. Each school draws a "certain kind" of family. The admissions process at one level is about knowing if you will be joining the right tribe of families.
What is the most memorable experience from last year for your 3rd graders?: 3rd grade is a turning point in a child's education. It is when academic demands increase. Knowing what was most memorable for 3rd graders gives you a glimpse into a possible positive experience for your child.
What experience(s) is/are your 5th grade teachers most proud of?: This one is meant to give you a sense of what teachers in upper classes hang their hat on. Upper class teachers are preparing graduates, children who embody the greatest values of the school.
In what ways do you hope for students to experience some of your special curricular practices?: Most schools espouse a high quality of curriculum. The secret lies in how the curriculum is implemented and more importantly how it is experienced. While the answer to this question is different for each child, you turn it around by asking how the curricular practices are meant to be experienced by students.
Who is the "<insert school name>" school teacher?: Get a sense of the kinds of teachers that are drawn to the school.
How many families leave your school? What are the most common reasons for leaving? Its good to know who doesn't find this school a fit so you can apply with your eyes wide open.
How will your school change in the coming year? Or asked another way, what significant initatives or events is the school looking forward to?: This gives you a sense of the stage of evolution that the school is in — is this a newer school, a school in puberty or a well-established school? A school that has been around for a long time might still be new in some ways depending on administrative changes. The question also gives you a sense of how it stays fresh and up-to-date in its practices.
Any question that addresses a special consideration you have.
Questions for which answers can be found on school websites and brochures include but are not limited to:
School tours and Open house dates
Admissions procedures
Statement of Mission and Values
Tuition, Financial aid
Class configurations, ages, teacher-student ratios
Faculty background
General curriculum information including specialist (Drama, Art, Music, PE, Technology, Library being the most common) offerings
Parent involvement requirements
If you use any of these questions, comment back on this post to share the information with other parents.
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