Schooling

I have also listed other generic factors which I really didn’t use much at this stage but did when I first chose a school for Tanya when she was 4 years old.
The way to go about it is give as score in a scale of 1 to 5 for each question with respect to each school.Add them up and you will get a rough idea which has more positives!


Other factors one should consider
1. What is the philosophy of school about education?
2. What is this school's approach to student discipline and safety?
3. Is the school staff helpful and friendly? Is the school orderly and neat?
4. How is student work displayed?
5. Do the students appear to be courteous, happy, and disciplined? I would always like to hear “what the kids talk about in playground”. Do they talk about “movie stars or latest video game?” What is the kind of language they speak – I would really detest if every second word is foul language.
6. Is there a welcoming attitude toward all parents or the school discriminate?
7. Do the teachers appear to be helpful and friendly?
8. What is the principal's attitude toward discipline?
9. In what extracurricular activities is the principal most interested?
10. What is the principal's reputation in the community?
11. Is the principal usually at the school and available to talk to parents?
12. How does the principal respond to parental concerns/complaints?
13. What is the principal's attitude toward students with diverse learning
14. According to the principal/Admissions Coordinator, what are the school's strengths, weaknesses and improvement areas?
15. How does this school encourage and monitor students' progress toward meeting grade-level standards?
16. What kinds of library resources are available to students?
17. How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school?
18. How do the arts fit into the curriculum? Is there a school choir, band or orchestra? A school play? Art classes?
19. What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service, and competitions) are available for students?
20. How does this school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties?
21. What are some of the school's greatest accomplishments? What are some of the biggest challenges this school faces?
22. Do classrooms look cheerful? Is student work displayed, and does it seem appropriate for the grade level?
23. Do teachers seem enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking questions that stimulate students and keep them engaged?
24. Does the principal seem confident and interested in interacting with students, teachers and parents?
25. How do students behave as they move from class to class or play outside?
26. How well are the facilities maintained? Are bathrooms clean and well supplied, and do the grounds look safe and inviting?
27. What are some highlights of this school's curriculum in reading, math, science and social studies?
28. What criteria are used to determine student placement in classes?
29. How does this school keep parents informed of school information and activities?
30. Is there an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA)? What other types of parent involvement take place at this school? Does the school expect parents to take a very active role?
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