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What To Look For During A Private School Visit |
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Written by Brian Thompson
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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
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Favorable Impressions |
Unfavorable Impressions |
Curriculum,
extracurricular and co-curricular programs, and facilities that support
your goals for your student?s education |
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Programs
that support your student?s academic strengths |
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Programs
to accommodate your student?s special needs |
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Opportunities
for enrichment and expanded study in areas that your student has
a special interest or talent |
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A level
of academic rigor that is appropriate for your student?s academic
motivation and work ethic |
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Availability
of extra help for difficult courses and subjects |
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Grades
offered (K-6, K-8, K-12, other) |
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Tuition
and other fees |
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Availability
of financial aid |
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Distance
from your home |
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Transportation
options |
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Size
of school |
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Average
class size |
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Presence
or absence of a religious affiliation |
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Coeducational
or single-gender student body composition |
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Appearance,
structure and composition of the campus |
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Amount
of homework |
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Diversity
of the student body |
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Before
school and after school care |
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Winter
break and spring break mini-camps, summer camps, and summer programs |
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Physical
education program; opportunities to play sports |
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Athletic
facilities |
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Performing
arts facilities |
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Studio
arts facilities |
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Science
labs |
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Availability
and use of computers and related technology |
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Library
and media facilities |
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Friendliness
of the teachers and administrators |
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Opportunities
for parent involvement in school activities |
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Things
that you forgot to see or ask about during your visit |
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What
did you like about the school? |
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What
did you dislike about the school? |
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Why do
you think this is a good school for your student to attend |
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Why do
you think this school is a good fit for your family? |
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