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What To Look For During A Private School Visit
By Brian Thompson

After you have gathered and reviewed materials about the private schools that are of interest to you, it?s time to visit your top school choices.

School visits may be made in the form of an open house or a family visit arranged with the admission office. The school visit is your opportunity to obtain information that will be essential to choosing the right private school for your student. By touring the campus and the facilities and talking with teachers, students, parents, graduates, and administrators you will acquire vitally important information.

The Private School Visit Record, which follows, will guide you and help you conduct an in-depth evaluation of the schools you visit and focus on the features and attributes that can have an important impact on your student?s private school experience.

PRIVATE SCHOOL VISIT RECORD

 

Favorable Impressions

Unfavorable Impressions

Curriculum, extracurricular and co-curricular programs, and facilities that support your goals for your student?s education

   

Programs that support your student?s academic strengths

   

Programs to accommodate your student?s special needs

   

Opportunities for enrichment and expanded study in areas that your student has a special interest or talent

   

A level of academic rigor that is appropriate for your student?s academic motivation and work ethic

   

Availability of extra help for difficult courses and subjects

   

Grades offered (K-6, K-8, K-12, other)

   

Tuition and other fees

   

Availability of financial aid

   

Distance from your home

   

Transportation options

   

Size of school

   

Average class size

   

Presence or absence of a religious affiliation

   

Coeducational or single-gender student body composition

   

Appearance, structure and composition of the campus

   

Amount of homework

   

Diversity of the student body

   

Before school and after school care

   

Winter break and spring break mini-camps, summer camps, and summer programs

   

Physical education program; opportunities to play sports

   

Athletic facilities

   

Performing arts facilities

   

Studio arts facilities

   

Science labs

   

Availability and use of computers and related technology

   

Library and media facilities

   

Friendliness of the teachers and administrators

   

Opportunities for parent involvement in school activities

   

Things that you forgot to see or ask about during your visit

 

What did you like about the school?

 

What did you dislike about the school?

 

Why do you think this is a good school for your student to attend

 

Why do you think this school is a good fit for your family?