Contact the schools you are interested in and make an appointment for a visit. I've read articles that suggest NOT making an appointment which I totally disagree with. This first visit is a first impression (both ways) so why on earth would you want to plan a potential confrontation? You want to make an appointment so the right people are available, prepared and have allocated time to meet with you. If possible, tour the schools during regular school hours and visit a few classes. Avoid visiting schools during Texas TAKS Testing or the first or last week of school to get a realistic sense of how the school operates.

A good way to have your questions answered is to schedule an appointment with the school principal or vice principal. If possible, attend an open house, parent-teacher meeting, or other school function that would also provide valuable information about the attitudes of staff, students, and parents.

Listen closely to what teachers say about the school. The teachers will be the adults closest to your child, and you will want to know if they are well prepared, dedicated, and happy in their work.

School Culture

Is the school secretary helpful and friendly?

Is the school orderly and neat?

What do the school bulletin boards look like?

How is student work displayed?

How does the school communicate with students and parents (weekly/monthly newsletter, e-mail, Web site)?

Do the students appear to be courteous, happy, and disciplined?

Is there a welcoming attitude toward all parents?

How are the students with diverse learning needs (e.g., students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency) treated?

Do the teachers appear to be helpful and friendly?

Note Pad: jot down school or real estate related notes. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

School Principal or Vice Principal

Both the vice and principal are excellent sources but if given a choice, I would meet with the vice-principal because they do more of the hands on education.

What is the principal's philosophy about education?

What is the principal's attitude toward discipline?

In what extracurricular activities is the principal most interested?

What is the principal's reputation in the community?

Is the principal usually at the school and available to talk to parents?

Does the principal get to know the students?

How often does the principal observe teachers?

What does the school do to keep good teachers and improve teacher performance?

How does the principal respond to parental concerns/complaints?

What is the principal's attitude toward students with diverse learning needs (e.g., students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency)?

According to the principal, what are the school's strengths?

According to the principal, what are the school's weaknesses?

According to the principal, where can the school improve?

Memory Jogger: jot down in your own words One Key Question you would ask the principal. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

School Teachers

How do school teachers grade student work?

Do school teachers have high expectations for all students to achieve to high academic standards?

How Do school teachers inform students of their expectations?

Do school teachers share the course content and objectives with parents?

When and how frequently are teachers available for parent conferences?

Do school teachers assign homework? Is it rigorous? Frequent? Sufficient?

Are the teachers highly qualified to teach in their subject areas (do they know the subjects they are teaching)?

Do school teachers have the skills and knowledge to address students with special learning needs?

Are specialized staffs available to address the special learning needs of a child (e.g., speech therapist, psychologist or aides)?

Do the teachers know the individual students in their classes?

Are teachers willing to provide extra help to students?

What is the school's policy regarding teacher response to parent inquiries?

Do school teachers have Web sites with class notes and other information for students and parents?

Note Pad: Read the questions and jot down some notes to help you with your decisions. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Students

What is the attendance rate for students?

What do students say about the principal?

What do students say about the teachers?

Do the students have school spirit?

What do students say about homework?

Do students participate in and enjoy field trips?

Do students feel safe and secure at the school?

What do student publications say?

What else do students say about the school?

Note Pad: Read the questions and jot down some notes to help you with your decisions. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Parent and Community Involvement

How does the school encourage parental involvement?

What are the ways parents can get involved?

Are parents encouraged to volunteer?

Does the school have an active parent-teacher organization?

Does the school hold meetings and events at times when parents can attend?

How well attended are back-to school nights by parents?

Are families expected to be involved with homework?

How frequently does the school communicate with parents?

Are community leaders involved with the school?

Does the school partner with local businesses and organizations?

Are parents involved in the development of school policies?

Note Pad: Read the questions and jot down some notes to help you with your decisions. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Reputation

How is the school regarded in the community?

How is the school viewed by other parents?

Is the school respected by other schools, particularly those that receive its students (when they move to the next level)?

Has the school won any awards?

Do people move to the community to go to the school?

What do the graduates of the school say?

Have graduates from the school made significant contributions to the community and their field of choice?

Note Pad: Read the questions and jot down some notes to help you with your decisions. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Parent Tip:

10 Things to Look for in a School

1. High expectations
2. Busy students
3. Great teachers
4. Great principal
5. Vibrant parent-teacher organization
6. Children are neither invisible nor scared to be at school
7. Gut reaction that this is the school for your child
8. Rigorous curriculum
9. Families like yours are welcome, and their concerns are acknowledged
10. You are satisfied with the school's results on standardized tests and school report cards

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Choosing A School For Your Child is a real estate tool for home buyers by Mark Hitz, Realtor DFW Realty GMAC Real Estate 214-514-1800. Providing home buying parents a needed process to evaluate their children's education as a part of their overall decision of choosing homes for sale.