NHEG EDGuide December 2016

The school visit: what

The school visit: what to look for, what to ask There's no substitute for visiting the schools on your list, so you can get a sense of the school environment and get your questions answered. By GreatSchools Staff (Continued from previous page) Features to look for Do classrooms look cheerful? Is student work displayed, and does it seem appropriate for the grade level? Do teachers seem enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking questions that stimulate students and keep them engaged? Does the principal seem confident and interested in interacting with students, teachers and parents? How do students behave as they move from class to class or play outside? Is there an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA)? What other types of parent involvement take place at this school? How well are the facilities maintained? Are bathrooms clean and well supplied, and do the grounds look safe and inviting? Especially for elementary schools What are some highlights of this school’s curriculum in reading, math, science and social studies? What criteria are used to determine student placement in classes? How does this school keep parents informed of school information and activities? Is quality child care available before and after school? How much outdoor time do kids get each day? Especially for middle schools How does the school guide and prepare students for major academic decisions that will define their options in high school and beyond? Does the school offer tutoring or other support if students need extra help? Are world language classes (French, Spanish, etc.) offered to students? If the school is large, does it make an effort to provide activities that create a sense of community? Especially for high schools Does this school have a particular curriculum focus, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or the arts? What kind of emphasis does the school place on college preparation? Does the school have a good selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes? What percentage of students take the SAT or/and ACT? Where do students go after they graduate? How many attend four-year college? Are graduates prepared for college? Are counselors available to help students make important decisions about classes? Is college counseling and support available? Does the school offer a variety of career planning options for students who are not college bound? Does the school staff set high expectations for all students? Does the school have tutoring programs so students can get extra help if they need it? How do students get to school? Is there a parking lot, and are buses (public or district-provided) available? Does this school have any school-to-work programs or specialized academies? What is the school drop-out rate? (Continued next page) 30

The school visit: what to look for, what to ask There's no substitute for visiting the schools on your list, so you can get a sense of the school environment and get your questions answered. By GreatSchools Staff (Continued from previous page) Especially for charter schools When and why was this school created? Does the school have a specific focus? Who is the charter holder, or the group that created the school? How does the school select teachers? Are the teachers certificated? Is this the permanent location or facility for the school? If not, will the school be moving to another location in the near future? 31