Going to an open house is a great way for any potential private school parent to learn more about a specific school, including the programs that it offers and the curriculums that it follows. When preparing for an open house, most parents know that asking the right questions can go a long way. That’s why we’ve put together a list of Questions to ask at a Private School Open House that every parent should bring with them to their next private school open house.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: What’s the school’s mission?
A school’s mission statement can offer an incredible amount of insight into the kind of institution it is, the staff it employs, and the unique experience it offers its students.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: What are the school’s core values?
This question goes hand-in-hand with question #1. Getting to know the core values of the school’s executive faculty and teaching staff is a great way to see if the school’s values align with your own and with the values you want to instill in your child.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: How does the school establish curriculums for each grade?
Understanding a school’s academic mission is just as important as understanding its moral and ethical one. Learning how the curriculum for each grade is established (as well as how each curriculum for each grade builds upon the last one and towards the next one) is a key step in understanding what a school has to offer your child.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: How well has the school performed with standardized tests?
School-wide performance on standardized tests year over year is a good indicator of the school’s overall academic performance and capabilities. When visiting a private school, it’s also worth asking which state and national test the school administers annually.
Question #5: What are the school’s average class sizes?
Class size plays an important role in a child’s ability to learn and should not be overlooked. Studies have shown time and again that students of any age will consistently perform better in classrooms with lower student to teacher ratios.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: Does the school adhere to Common Core standards?
Common Core – it’s one of the hot-button issues in the national conversation about education, which is why it belongs on this list. Establishing why a school does or does not follow Common Core standards (and whether or not you agree with them on their stance) is key.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: What do the school’s math and science programs entail?
Math and science programs should be vital components of every education. Given the STEM-centric nature of today’s world, it’s good to establish how a school structures their math, science, and technology programs, as well as what each program offers students in each grade level.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: How is the school’s world languages program structured?
Research has shown that students who learn via a well-balanced curriculum that includes the humanities and world languages are more likely to excel academically. Where some schools offer limited language programs, others offer rather extensive programs that are made available to all grade levels.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: What extracurricular/after-school programs do they offer?
Extracurricular activities can play an enormous role in shaping a child’s social, intellectual, and personal growth. Most schools offer a variety of after-school programs; the trick is to see how well these programs overlap with your child’s existing interests.
Questions to ask at a Private School Open House: Are there opportunities for parents to be involved?
An active and involved PTA is the sign of a healthy, functioning school community. Finding out how you can get involved with staff and fellow parents is a great way to see if a school can be the right match for your child.
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