Questions about schools every parent should ask

Think the pressure is off once you’ve whittled down your top school choices for your child? Think again! Now comes the exciting part – visiting those schools and seeing for yourself what they’re about. Stepping onto a campus gives you a chance to get a real feel for the environment, and it’s also where the right questions come into play. It’s not just about ticking boxes or checking off your list of must-haves, but rather, digging deeper to see whether the school’s values, culture, and support systems align with what your child really needs. But what questions should you be asking, and why? Here are some key issues to contemplate when you’re there in person to influence your decision.

ISSUE: The delivery of the curriculum is as important as the curriculum itself. Not all IB schools or AP schools are created equal.
ASK: How long do teachers stay on average, and why do they leave?

ISSUE: Look for a healthy diversity of nationalities and learning styles that do not overwhelm individual teachers. A school needs to be equipped for the diversity it welcomes.
ASK: What does the school do to manage the complexities of a diverse population?

ISSUE: For every promise a school makes, they should offer you reasons to believe. Ask to see the school’s actual scores and results on learning measures.
ASK: What does your optimal student look like, and do you believe that all students can learn at high levels? What do you do if students struggle to succeed academically, emotionally, or socially?

ISSUE: Beware of schools that post university placements that do not reflect the actual population from their specific school. It’s helpful to ask how many students have actually graduated from the campus your child will attend, and where those students have gone to university.
ASK: What is the unique advantage your school offers its graduates? What are universities saying about your school and the students who graduate there?

ISSUE: Instead of asking how central the school is, ask how long it takes to get there in traffic. Close to town doesn’t always mean quick access to schools.
ASK:How long does it take to get to the school in traffic?

ISSUE: Look for a culture of care and belonging that reflects the school’s values, not just its diversity statistics.
ASK: How does the school foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among students from different backgrounds?

ISSUE: Understand the school’s long-term vision for its students.
ASK: What does a “successful graduate” look like at your school – and how do you help students get there?

ISSUE: Assess how the school supports your child’s emotional wellbeing, not just their academic performance.
ASK: How do you support student wellness and mental health across all grade levels?

ISSUE: Dig into how the school invests in teacher quality.
ASK: How do teachers stay current with research and best practices in education?

ISSUE: Discover how students are encouraged to explore their passions and take initiative.
ASK: How do students get to explore their interests, try new things, or make real-world connections?

The right questions will help you uncover what truly matters to the school and reveal insights that go beyond brochures and websites.The answers will help you determine whether the school is the right environment for your child to grow and thrive, not just academically, but as a whole person. Ask boldly. Listen carefully. And trust what you see and feel.

40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547

+65 6363 3403

www.sas.edu.sg

Photo credits: Singapore American School. Words by Kinjal Shah