Elementary School Tours

Once you have selected a group of schools in which you are interested, you will want to visit them. Most schools offer tours; however, some might ask you only to visit during an open house. If possible, visit the school during the school day when classes are in session. You will learn a great deal about the school by simply observing the classrooms, facilities and school walls as well as the sounds from the students and teachers. The following are questions to ask during the tour.

General Questions 

What is the kindergarten’s separation policy? 

At what age are students departmentalized? 

How is technology used at the school? 

What happens when children are sick? 

Are there before-school and after-school programs? 

How much do they cost? 

What is the content of the programming? 

What is the racial and economic makeup of the families enrolled at the school? 

Does the school provide transportation? 

What happens during lunch time and recess? 

What happens during poor weather? 

How often do students take field trips?

 Where do they go? 

Teachers and Administration 

How long has the principal worked at the school? 

How long is the average tenure of a teacher? 

Is professional development available for teachers? 

Do they take advantage of the opportunity? 

Do the teachers work collaboratively? 

What is the student/teacher ratio? 

Are there assistant teachers? 

Skill Development 

How is math taught (i.e., rote memorization, workbooks, manipulatives, or practical problems)? 

How is reading taught (i.e., phonics, whole language)? What kind of writing is required in each grade? How is it taught? How is science taught (i.e., in class or lab)? 

Is there musical instruction?

 How many days/hours per week? 

How much homework is required daily at each grade level?

Parent-School Communications 

How often during the year are parent-teacher conferences scheduled? 

How long do parent-teacher conferences last? 

What does the school see as the role of the parent? 

What happens when children misbehave? 

How are parents informed about their children’s behavior?