Illustration by Ryan Snook
GENERAL QUESTIONS
• What aspects of the school are you proudest of?
• Are any big changes on the horizon? How will they affect my child?
• What’s a typical day like?
• What’s special about your culture and the way you approach teaching?
ACADEMICS
• Are classes lecture-based or discussion-driven?
• How important is class participation to my child’s grades?
• How many hours a night does the typical student study?
• What safety nets are in place for kids who encounter difficulty?
• How do you use technology in the classroom?
• How does a child get involved in research projects or independent study?
STUDENT LIFE
• How are new students made to feel welcome?
• What do you do to discourage cliques and to foster an inclusive environment?
• What will the school do to help develop my child’s character?
FACULTY
• What credentials do teachers have?
• How much turnover have you had in the last two years?
• How accessible is the faculty outside of school hours?
• What kinds of ongoing training and development do you provide faculty?
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
• Are there other families who live near us?
• How are parents involved in the school?
This article appears in the October 2011 issue of The Washingtonian.
