Comparing Apples to Apples
Questions to Ask When Choosing a School

The task of sorting through your many options when choosing a school is made easier by having a standard list of questions. Those listed below will offer a solid foundation for comparison, coupled with the "feel" you and your child get from the schools you visit.

1. What is the school’s mission or special focus?
   
2. What is total school enrollment?
   
3. What is the average class size? (Remember - average class size and student-teacher ratio are different).
   
4. Does enrollment involve testing, a lottery or wait list?
   
5. Is the Kindergarten half or full day? Is there afee for full day?
   
6. How much teacher-parent contact is there?
   
7. How do parents access teachers? What safety precautions do you use?
   
8. What do you do to make sure every child feels emotionally safe?
   
9. Does the school offer before and after school care and/or summer programs?
   
10. Is financial aid (private) or reduced price lunch (public) available?
    
11. What programs are available for special needs or gifted students?
    
12. Is transportation available?
    
13. Are there opportunities or requirements for community service?
    
14. Are there required uniforms or a dress code?
    
15. What are the school’s start and end times?
    
16. What is students’ access to technology?
    
17. Does the school nurture and enhance cultural diversity?
    
18. At secondary level:Are AP (advanced placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) courses are offered? What percentage of the students in these courses take the test?
    
19. Does the school offer PSEO or College in the Schools programs?
    
20. What percentage of students go on to college?
    
21. What types of extracurricular activities are offered? Is there a cost to participate?

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