The School Visit: Most Important Questions To Ask

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. While online research, brochures, and conversations with friends provide valuable insights, nothing replaces the experience of visiting a school in person. A school visit offers a unique opportunity to observe the learning environment, interact with teachers and administrators, and get a feel for the school culture that simply can't be conveyed through websites or social media.

But to make the most of your school visit, preparation is key. Walking in with a thoughtful list of questions will help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your child's education.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential questions to ask during a school visit, helping you evaluate whether a school is the right fit for your family's needs and values.

1. Before the Visit: Preparing Your Questions

Before stepping foot on campus, take some time to research the school and prepare your questions. Reviewing the school's website, social media accounts, and any available publications will provide a foundation of knowledge and help you identify areas where you need more information.

Consider organizing your questions by category so you can ensure you cover all the important aspects of school life. Categories might include academics, school culture, practical logistics, specialty programs, and finances. Remember that your questions should reflect your family's unique priorities and your child's specific needs.

At Resurrection Lutheran School, we encourage prospective families to come prepared with questions during their campus tours. Our admissions team finds that families who arrive with specific questions often gain deeper insights into our programs and community. Many parents tell us they appreciate having the opportunity to ask detailed questions about our Christ-centered approach to education and our academic programs during their initial visit.

2. Academic Program Questions

The academic program forms the core of any school experience. Here are key questions to ask:

1. What curriculum do you use, and what are the academic standards? Understanding the school's curriculum approach and standards will help you determine if it aligns with your expectations for your child's education.
2. How do you assess student progress, and how frequently? Schools use various assessment methods, from standardized tests to project-based evaluations. Understanding how and when students are assessed helps you gauge how well you'll be able to track your child's progress.
3. What is your approach to homework and independent learning? Ask about homework policies, including typical amounts of homework by grade level and how independent work is supported.
4. What is the average class size and student-teacher ratio? Smaller class sizes often allow for more individualized attention, but the quality of teaching matters as much as quantity.
5. How do you address different learning styles and abilities? A strong school will have strategies to support both students who need extra help and those who need additional challenges.
6. What credentials and experience do your teachers have? Ask about teacher qualifications, professional development, and retention rates.

At Resurrection Lutheran School, we maintain small class sizes to ensure each student receives personal attention. Our teachers are highly qualified professionals who are passionate about education and committed to helping each child achieve their potential. We utilize standardized testing to validate the strength of our academic program, and ongoing assessment helps us track student progress throughout the year. Our comprehensive curriculum follows State Standards as a baseline while integrating national standards and extension activities.

3. School Culture & Community Questions

The school's culture and sense of community will significantly impact your child's daily experience. Consider asking:

1. What values guide your school, and how are they reinforced? Understanding a school's core values helps you determine if they align with your family's values.
2. How do you handle discipline and behavioral issues? A school's approach to discipline reflects its values and can impact the learning environment.
3. What opportunities exist for parent involvement? Schools vary widely in how they engage parents, from volunteer opportunities to communication practices.
4. What traditions or special events build community among students and families? Community-building activities contribute to a positive school culture and help families feel connected.
5. How do you promote character development and social-emotional learning? Education extends beyond academics to include the development of the whole child.
6. What is your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Understanding how a school embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity is increasingly important to many families.

Resurrection Lutheran School prides itself on our close-knit community that fosters strong personal relationships. Our commitment to Christian values creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop not only academically but also spiritually and emotionally. We use the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) as a model for Christian life, helping students build character in a supportive environment.

4. Practical & Logistical Questions

Practical considerations can make a big difference in your daily routine and your child's school experience. Don't forget to ask:

1. What are the school hours, and what is the academic calendar? Understanding the daily schedule and yearly calendar helps you plan for holidays, breaks, and professional development days.
2. Do you offer before and after-school care? If you need extended care, ask about availability, hours, cost, and the nature of the program.
3. What transportation options are available? Ask about bus service, carpool arrangements, or other transportation options if relevant.
4. What meals are provided, and what is your approach to nutrition? Inquire about lunch programs, snack policies, and how dietary restrictions are accommodated.
5. How do you incorporate technology into learning? Understanding the role of technology in the classroom and the school's policies regarding device use is important.
6. What safety and security measures are in place? Schools should have clear protocols for emergencies, visitor management, and daily safety procedures.

Resurrection Lutheran School offers Before Care daily from 7:15 am-8:15 am and After Care from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm Monday through Thursday to accommodate working parents. Our "home-away-from-home" atmosphere allows students to learn and play in a relaxed, less structured environment after school hours. We operate on a traditional school calendar with doors opening at 8:15 am and dismissal at 3:00 pm. Hot lunch is available through My Hot Lunch four days a week, providing convenient options for families.

5. Specialty Program Questions

Specialty programs and extracurricular activities enrich the educational experience. Consider asking:

1. What arts programs are offered (visual arts, music, drama, etc.)? Arts education contributes to creative thinking and self-expression.
2. What athletic opportunities are available? Physical education and sports programs promote health, teamwork, and discipline.
3. How do you incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education? STEM programs help prepare students for future careers in growing fields.
4. What foreign languages are taught, and at what grade levels? Language instruction enhances cognitive development and cultural awareness.
5. What services are available for students with special needs? Understanding support services for different learning needs is crucial if your child requires accommodations.
6. For faith-based schools: How is faith integrated into the curriculum and school life? If you're considering a religious school, understanding how faith is incorporated is essential.

Resurrection Lutheran School offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that enhance students' educational experience. Our fine arts programs include music, art, drama, and library classes, helping children develop mentally, socially, and emotionally. Students can participate in athletics including volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and cross country, learning the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. As a Lutheran school, faith formation is integrated throughout the curriculum, with weekly chapel services and a Biblical worldview informing all areas of study.

6. Financial Questions

Understanding the financial commitment is an important part of the decision-making process. Don't hesitate to ask:

1. What is the tuition, and what does it include? Get a clear picture of base tuition and what additional costs might apply.
2. What payment plans are available? Many schools offer monthly, quarterly, or annual payment options.
3. What financial aid or scholarship opportunities exist? Understanding financial assistance options can make private education more accessible.
4. Are there additional costs for books, uniforms, field trips, technology, etc.? These "hidden costs" can add significantly to the overall expense.
5. Is financial aid need-based or merit-based? Understanding the criteria for financial assistance helps you assess your eligibility.
6. How often does tuition typically increase, and by what percentage? Historical tuition increases can help you plan for future years.

At Resurrection Lutheran School, we strive to make our education accessible to families from various financial backgrounds. Our admissions team can provide detailed information about tuition and fees during your visit, or you can access them online here. 

We offer several payment plans to accommodate different family situations and have financial aid options available for qualifying families. We believe that a high-quality Christian education should be available to all families who desire it for their children.

7. Questions for Teachers and Staff

Teachers and staff significantly influence the school experience. When possible, ask educators:

1. What is your teaching philosophy? Understanding how teachers approach education can give insight into classroom experiences.
2. How do you communicate with parents about student progress? Regular, clear communication between teachers and parents supports student success.
3. How do you engage students with different learning styles? Effective teachers use various strategies to reach all students.
4. How do you handle classroom management? A teacher's approach to classroom management affects the learning environment.
5. What do you enjoy most about teaching at this school? This question can reveal a lot about school culture and teacher satisfaction.

The teachers at Resurrection Lutheran School are known for their dedication and passion for education. Many of our faculty have been with us for years, creating a stable and experienced teaching team. Our teachers communicate regularly with parents through progress reports, conferences, and digital platforms to ensure families stay informed about their child's development. The close partnership between parents and teachers is a hallmark of our educational approach.

8. Questions for Current Parents and Students

If possible, speak with current families to get their perspective:

1. What do you value most about this school? Current parents can provide honest insights about what makes the school special.
2. What challenges have you faced, and how were they addressed? No school is perfect, and understanding how challenges are handled is valuable.
3. How has your child developed since enrolling? Parents can share how they've seen their children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
4. What surprised you most after enrolling? This question often reveals aspects of school life that aren't highlighted in marketing materials.
5. Would you choose this school again, and why? This straightforward question gets at overall satisfaction.

Families at Resurrection Lutheran School often cite our supportive community, dedicated teachers, and balanced approach to education as key reasons for their satisfaction. Many of our new families come through referrals from current families who have experienced the positive impact of our school on their children's development. We encourage prospective parents to connect with current families during school events to hear firsthand about their experiences.

9. After the Visit: Evaluating Your Options

After visiting a school, take time to reflect on what you learned and observed:

1. Did the school's values and approach align with your family's priorities? Consider whether what you saw and heard resonates with your educational philosophy.
2. How did your child respond to the environment? If your child accompanied you, their reaction provides valuable insight.
3. What stood out positively, and what concerns emerged? Make notes while your impressions are fresh.
4. How did the school compare to others you've visited? Comparing schools across the same criteria helps clarify differences.
5. What follow-up questions do you have? Don't hesitate to contact the school with additional questions that arise after your visit.

Conclusion

A school visit is your opportunity to look beyond marketing materials and see what daily life is really like for students. By asking thoughtful questions and carefully observing the environment, you'll gather the information you need to make this important decision.

Remember that finding the right school is about more than just academic excellence—it's about finding a community where your child will be known, valued, and encouraged to grow in all aspects of their development. Trust your instincts, involve your child in age-appropriate ways, and take the time to find a school that feels like the right fit for your unique family.

If you're considering Resurrection Lutheran School for your child's education, we invite you to schedule a personal tour where we can address your specific questions and show you firsthand what makes our community special. Contact our admissions office today to arrange a visit and experience the RLS difference for yourself.