You can tell a lot from a school tour. Whether you’re walking the hallways during an Open House or observing classes in action, a tour is a great way to begin picturing your student as part of a school community.
On most tours, you’ll hear about academics, extracurriculars, and the school’s mission, but sometimes the most valuable insights come from the questions you ask. Thoughtful, beyond-the-basics questions can reveal what life is really like for students at a school and whether the culture and values match what your family is looking for.
Here are 10 unique questions to consider on your next school tour:
- Why do teachers choose to work here?
- Which classes do students enjoy the most, and why?
- Where do teachers spend most of their prep time, and how does that benefit students?
- How are new students welcomed into the school community?
- How do students describe the social atmosphere of the school?
- How are the school’s values lived day-to-day?
- What is something new or innovative the school has tried in the last few years?
- Which school traditions are the most meaningful to students?
- Where is your favorite place at the school?
- What do alumni say they miss the most about their time here?
Pro Tip: Ask to speak with a student or teacher during your tour and try a few of these questions with them. Hearing multiple perspectives will give you a clearer, more authentic picture of the school you’re touring.
Take a Tour of University! We love showing families around our campus! One-on-one campus tours are offered most mornings and afternoons while school is in session, starting at 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Register now for a one-on-one tour with a Director of Admission, and we’ll design a tour to answer all of your questions!