Touring a private school - what to ask?

[amcal]

Our kids are in public school now but, we've had a couple bad years here and are thinking about switching to a private school.

I'm meeting with them tomorrow and I'm wondering if you all can give me some ideas of questions you would want to know.

We're Christian and the school we're touring is Christian so there won't be a conflict there.

But, there are some things I never thought about - like corporal punishment. A friend suggested I check on that because she says it's still legal and unless specifically stated that it is not used, it could be used. I had no idea! So, I'll check on that.

Also - someone said that private school teachers don't have to be actual certified teachers??? I never heard of that one either so I'll check on that.

Any other things you would want to ask?

[Linda on the move]

I'd asked about extra fees, field trips, books, etc. A lot of things that are free at public school costs at private school.

I'd also ask more about religion -- Christians can be VERY different from each other so I wouldn't assume they believe/teach the same as you.

I'd ask about special classes.

If it isn't through your church, I'd ask what % of the kids go to the same church because it could make it difficult for your kids if 90% of the kids have been going to church together since they were 2.

I'd ask about racial mix, how much financial add they give out, etc. (the financial aid question tells you about their values on inclusion and economic diversity).

GOOD LUCK!

[jazzharmony]

I would ask to sit in the classroom and observe. I would also have several meetings with the principal/head and meet with as many teachers as possible. Speaking with parents, current and former, is very important. Observe how the teachers relate to the children and how teachers/principal relate to the parents.

I encourage you to make sure the school shares your philosophy on education. Not just on the surface but that they actually implement what they preach (pun intended!)


Good luck!

[mar123]

While there is no law that states teachers at a private school must be certified, the school gets to decide that. My kids have attended a non public schooll their entire lives and both schools required their teachers to be certified. Many of the upper crust school require master degrees as well. But yes, I would ask.

[karne]

You might want to ask about any type of social curriculum/values the school espouses, and how that is put into practice. Bullying is a big issue, but as well, how/or does the school value community and how does it strive to create a caring and respectful environment?

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by mar123

While there is no law that states teachers at a private school must be certified, the school gets to decide that. My kids have attended a non public schooll their entire lives and both schools required their teachers to be certified. Many of the upper crust school require master degrees as well. But yes, I would ask.

some schools require certification for regular classroom teachers but not for specials teachers.

For any school I would want to know:

what do the kids do for recess when the weather is bad?
what are the options for lunch and what is the policy for treats for parties and such?
What specials are offered and how often are the offered?
what is the discipline policy?
How is late work handled (is recess taken away, art class?)?
How much homework can my child expect?
If you child is a-typical in any way, ask how that will be accommodated.

[SomedayMom]

Originally Posted by mar123

While there is no law that states teachers at a private school must be certified, the school gets to decide that. My kids have attended a non public schooll their entire lives and both schools required their teachers to be certified. Many of the upper crust school require master degrees as well. But yes, I would ask.

Yes, that. I went to private school. My mom taught forever at a private school. My children go to a private school. I have never met a teacher that is not certified and I agree on the preference for teachers with masters degrees as well. This is a commonly cited negative about private schools that is largely inaccurate.

I think your questions will largely be influenced by the reasons you are leaving public school and what you are looking for in a private school.

I will admit that in my area there is a bias against Christian schools wrt academics. I have not looked at a Christian school to know if that is a fair bias or not. But if it were me I would want to know that their academics were where I wanted them to be.

I also wanted to know about teaching style (in our case I was looking for a great Montessori or Reggio school). I wanted to know about extracurricular opportunities. I wanted to know about their test scores and secondary school admissions. Most of all I wanted to know if the kids were happy and enjoying the process. I wanted to know that the families at the school were involved. I wanted to know that the teachers were warm and caring.

And at the end of the day, when I walked into the school my boys go to I felt this total "aha, this is THE place". I felt it. It was a family and it was the perfect place for them.

[MommyDOK]

some random questions I asked:

reward system in classrooms
how many students are on medication (I had heard, prior to interviewing principals that some schools like to push parents to put kids on medication for behavior issues)
Harry Potter- many christian schools differ on this
snack policies
how approachable is the school board??----this is what I like best about a private school---I love that I can talk to the principal about a concern and something can be done about it!! I remember my parents going into talk to the principal about a horrible teacher I had (or my sisters over the years) and he said there was nothing he could do.
How involved are the families
Santa and halloween
What kind of biblical worldview did they espouse?
Philosophy of education type questions



If I can think of anything else, I'll write more.

[amcal]

Thank you all so much! You helped me tremendously. The tour was today but, I already have a couple questions I'm going to email her about and you've all provided some additional questions I didn't think to ask. Thank you!

[griffin2004]

Originally Posted by amcal

The tour was today

what was your gut reaction? I'm guessing you're at least feeling fairly positive since you're following up with questions.

[amcal]

It was good. I really like the school.

My husband's biggest issue is that he doesn't want to pay tuition. And, the school has gone from 400 students to 150 because of the economy (and some political issues with the former principal who left 2 years ago).

I do understand DH's concerns about the viability of the school and plan to follow up with her about that.

But, the past political issues seem to have been corrected - they stemmed around forcing all teachers to attend their church - the principal was very clear that no one was required to attend their church - they are completely separate. Other complaints were that the former principal wasn't accessible to parents and children - this one was out cooking for everyone for spirit week, playing the relay races, joining in on the water day activities etc....

Other complaints were the lack of any extra curriculars - but, in 2 years, she's gotten several intermural sports teams set up, journalism club, year book, band, chess club, drama, choir and a few others.

I really liked the principal and she seems to be really involved and on the ball.

Only about 1/3 of the students attend church there.

They have a hands off discipline policy and use a lot of positive reinforcement. She says they do not believe in punishment and never, ever touch a child unless that child is a danger to self or others.

All their teachers are certified.

Just in my observation, there seemed to be a lot of cultural diversity.

Test scores are fantastic - 91% in math, 93% in language.

Asked about holidays and they do not celebrate halloween at all. They do celebrate Christmas and Easter (but not with bunnies and eggs). The school itself is bible based, non denominational Christian.

They are huge on respect. She talked about this multiple times. That attending their school is a right, not a privledge. She was very clear in their belief that all children had the right to be schooled in a safe, caring environment and that all teachers had a right to be respected and enjoy coming to work so, disrespect of any kind is not tolerated.

She also said that this might not be for everyone but they live in a "bubble". Children are not permitted to bring popular culture items to school - no hanna montana, no disney, not comic characters etc.... They believe children should be free of the peer pressures that come with popular culture items. They do wear uniforms.

Hmmm, that's all I can think of now. I am going to email her a couple additional questions but, for me, I liked it. My kids loved it. I think my husband would allow me to send the kids there but, he doesn't really want to agree to it in case something happens then it's my fault.

So, we'll see.....