How To Evaluate Your Child's School

We all know that providing a challenging and enriching educational environment for our children is one of our most important responsibilities. But how do we know what makes a good school?

Let’s start with a quick quiz. Which of these is correct?

(a) Standardized test scores are the only real measure of a school’s performance.

(b) It’s not necessary for you to check out what your child should be learning at each grade level.

(c) Your local high school has nothing to do with your child’s elementary school.

If you answered yes to any of these, you need to read on.

Whether you’re looking for a new school or just want to check out your current school, here are 10 key areas to focus on:

A good principal sets the tone for a school, and an ineffective one can poison the atmosphere and impede the school’s ability to function. Spend at least 30 minutes talking with the principal, and ask to see the district-mandated standards for each grade level. The principal should be able to articulate a clear vision for every grade level, says Terry Nagel, executive editor of GreatSchools.net. Talk to other parents and teachers about their impressions of the principal as well.

Atmosphere: At a good school, children feel as if they belong. As you tour the school, check out the mood. Are the walls cheerfully decorated? Is student artwork displayed? Are the teachers friendly? Is this a place where you would want your child to be? Watch to see how the principal interacts with the students. Does she know them by name? On the other hand, do you hear the students using profanity with each other, unchecked by the staff? Or, if you happen to be there at 3 p.m., do you notice the teachers all stampeding out of the building? Neither of these is a good sign.

Excellent Teaching: What do you see in the classroom? Are all the students engaged, and is the classroom atmosphere lively? Are there pockets of children who appear bored? Does the teacher seem excited about the subject matter? Teaching methods are an important element of a school’s educational philosophy and you may want to do some research (see our Resources) in advance to help you know what teaching philosophy will best match your child’s learning style and your family’s values.