Checking out a high school .. what important points to note?

Question

I am checking out a high school for my daughter for next year when she goes to 9th grade. This is girls only private school. What are the important questions to ask and things to note ?/

Answer 1

- How many advanced courses are offered.
- Ask the administration how many graduates have gone on to college and how many of those have graduated.
- What is the student to teacher ratio.
- What kind of extracurricular activities are offered, many colleges look for this as well as college loan officers. It is a sign of a "well rounded student."
- Have the teachers won any awards, if not then why?
- The criminal stats for the school and what measures are taken to protect the children.
- What is done with the problem children who don't respond to normal discipline? Will my child have to be exposed to them?
- What about those children with learning disabilities; how are they treated? Your child may not have a learning disability, but if the school doesn't handle them then you know they don't plan on doing so OR looking at children who might have a learning disability or problems in class.
- How have the students done in competition? I don't mean the football team (they may not even have one), I mean the chess club, the math club etc. If the school doesn't offer these options then they are not a very good school.
- How can you be involved with your child and monitor their work without having to harrass the teacher or being a pain to the school administration. Many over-protective parents are and you don't want to be one ).
- What is the ratio of computers to students and how often do they get to use one?

Then go to the local college admissions board and ask them what they think of this high school and their graduates.

Answer 2

Good question. You are not only an interested parent but also an intelligent one.

1. Look at the physical facilities. Emphasize the labs, library and gym.

2. Is the school accredited?

3. Are the teachers licensed in the areas in which they teach?

4. Does the principal or headmaster have state certification as a principal?

5. How long has the principal and teachers been there?

6. What subjects are given in each grade.

7. Which electives can your daughter take and in which grades?

8. What extracurricular activities are offered?

9. Examine a few lunch menus.

10. Observe the school while it is in session. Sit in on a few classes. Are the teachers well prepared? Do the students appear interested and happy? Do both the teachers and students arrive on time? Are there students in the hall after the class is supposed to start?

11. Are students trained in emergency drills such as for fire?

12. How does the number of school days compare to those in the public schools?

13. How long is each class period?

14. Does your daughter like the school? She should be with you when you visit the school.

15. Does every student have a current textbook in every subject?

16. What is the tuition and other fees? Do you pay for textbooks?

17. Ask to see the school profile and compare how the school has done with other private and parochial schools on mandered state examinations, college admissions, discipline incidents, teacher turnover and background, attendance of staff and students, and other items.

18. What is the average class size? What is the largest class in the school other than gym?

19. How and when are parents contacted by the school?

20. What provisions are made for the gifted and talented and those who have problems doing well.

Answer 3

Note the course choices, what extracurricular activities are available, and how well the school seems to communicate with you (does it use snail mail or the quicker and more efficient e-mail, how quickly to they respond to you, how often they update you, etc.). Also keep in mind the condition of the school (Does it use old, ratty books, or does it have newer versions? How large are the rooms and desks? Are the bathrooms clean?)

Answer 4

Make sure she shadows someone first! I made a mistake and didn't shadow my first school first (I'm a freshman in high school right now) and ended up HATING the school and hating everything literally. Luckily I got transferred to a different one!

Answer 5

sarang is right, student opinion is the most important along with size of classrooms, if it is to big and full of people your child won't get the personal attention and dedication she needs, the reputation of the school too, the lunch menu (healthy , fat etc..)

Answer 6

get students opinion about the school, and breifly check out the teachers and staff

Answer 7

ask if the buildings are heated and cooled and that the plumbing works. There is nothing worse than backed-up toilets.