S2 E32: How to Pick a School for Your Child

How to Choose the Right School for Your Child: Key Questions to Ask

As parents, few decisions feel as weighty as choosing the right school for our children. A good school does more than educate—it nurtures a child’s mind, heart, and overall development, preparing them for the world ahead. Having worked as a teacher, parent, and someone who has visited schools worldwide as part of accreditation teams, I know this process can feel overwhelming and you want to get it right.

Whether you’re relocating, rethinking your current school choice, or exploring new educational options, this guide will equip you with thoughtful questions to help you look beyond brochures and polished tour presentations to find a school that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s needs.

While the focus here is on independent, private, and international schools, many of these tips apply to all educational settings, after doing all of this investigation, you may even choose to homeschool. No matter what you choose, I hope this proves to be helpful for you in your decision-making process.

1. Educational Philosophy and Approach

Start with the school’s overarching philosophy. Can they articulate it well?

• What is your school’s philosophy of education? Are they traditional, progressive, or a mix of both? This provides insight into whether their methods align with your expectations.
• What are the school’s goals or strategic initiatives? Ideally, they’ll talk about improving teaching methods and fostering learning, not just about facilities or infrastructure. If they can't articulate any sorts of goals, I would be very wary.
• Does the school have a religious affiliation? If so, ask about how faith is integrated into the curriculum or daily routines to ensure it aligns with your family values.
• Is there a bilingual or immersion program? Find out what languages are offered and at what age. Pretty much any decent school is already offering at least one language even at the elementary level.
• Where do graduates typically attend college or university? Look for a balanced response instead of only highlighting Ivy League or prestigious names. Ask where the largest number of graduates attend.
• How do you encourage critical thinking and creativity? Ask for examples of how students have voice, choice, and ownership in their learning.

2. Character Development

A great school nurtures more than academics—it shapes character.

• What does the school do to foster empathy, kindness, and teamwork? Ask about social-emotional learning programs or embedded character-building practices. If they mention a particular program, write down the name and research it.
• How does the school address conflicts? Are they using restorative practices, peer mediation, reflection or other approaches? When are parents informed or involved in the process?
• What opportunities exist for leadership and collaboration? Leadership can range from formal roles to simple group project responsibilities as well as something more formal like a student council (even in the elementary years).

3. Inclusivity and Diversity

Even if these aren’t top priorities for your family, they reveal the school’s culture so regardless of your views, you should ask.

• How does the school ensure inclusivity for children of different backgrounds, abilities, and family structures? Look for evidence of multicultural events, accessible facilities, or language support.
• What supports are in place for students with special needs or learning differences? Ask about additional costs for support programs and how inclusion is implemented in the classroom. How are advanced learners supported?

4. Teacher Qualifications and Development

Strong schools prioritize professional growth for their staff.

• What qualifications are required of teachers? Ideally, all teachers should have at least a certification, if not more.
• How does the school ensure teachers stay current? They should mention regular training, conferences, or partnerships with educational organizations. Ask about how often teachers are sent out for training and how often they bring trainers into school?
• What support do teachers receive for professional growth? Schools that invest in mentoring, collaborative planning, or development days show they value their staff.

5. Homework and Parental Involvement

Understanding these expectations helps manage your time and stress as a parent.

• What are your homework policies? Are parents expected to assist, or should the work be independent? How much time should I expect for my child to be doing homework? Does that change depending on the level? Is homework assigned on the weekends?
• How are parents expected to participate in the school community? Whether through volunteering or events, this gives you insight into the school’s culture. Remember, especially in international schools, the school community very well become your main community.

6. Class Size and Personalized Attention

Smaller class sizes don’t always mean better education; it’s about how teachers use their time.

• What is the average class size, and how does that translate to personalized attention?
• How are teaching assistants or specialists utilized? Ask how they support the classroom or provide additional instruction.

7. Technology Use and Resources

Striking the right balance with technology is crucial.

• How is technology integrated into learning? Find out if they emphasize hands-on learning or rely heavily on digital tools.
• What non-tech resources are available? Libraries, art supplies, and playgrounds add depth to your child’s experience.

8. Extracurricular Opportunities

Extracurriculars help children explore new passions.

• What activities do you offer? Look for a range of options like sports, music, arts, and clubs.
• Can students try new hobbies? A variety of choices shows a well-rounded focus.

9. Lunch, Snacks, and Physical Activity

These practical details matter more than you might think.

• What are the policies on meals and snacks? Ensure they accommodate dietary restrictions. Are students allowed to bring food from home? If there are meal plans, is there an additional cost? Also, for a pro-tips, asking to tour the cafeteria at lunch tells you a lot about a school... food choices, behavior and supervision.
• How much physical activity do students get daily? Look for regular recess and PE sessions. Two recess sessions is really a good sign in my opinion.

10. Safety and Security

You need peace of mind about your child’s well-being.

• What measures ensure safety? Ask about visitor protocols, staff training, and emergency drills.
• How are parents informed during emergencies? Consistent communication is key.

11. Assessments and Feedback

Understanding how progress is measured is essential.

• How are students assessed, and how often? Ask about standardized tests (and their frequency), projects, or portfolios.
• How often and in what format will I hear from teachers? Regular communication helps you stay in the loop. Do they have conferences? Are the students involved in those conferences at all? Will you receive regular phone calls or emails?

12. Community and Testimonials

Hearing from others can provide valuable insights.

• Can I speak with current students and parents? While helpful, remember they’ll likely connect you with their biggest fans.
• How does the school foster community? Events and traditions help create a welcoming environment.

Final Thoughts

No school will check every single box, but by asking thoughtful questions, you’ll uncover a school’s values, culture, and fit for your child. To make this process easier, I’ve created a checklist with these questions for members of my free Raising Thinkers Community—join today to download your copy! Or if you're already a member, ensure you're signed in, then just scroll down and you'll find your download.

If you found this helpful, consider joining my Raising Mathematicians subscription service for even more resources to support your child’s learning journey. And, as always, like, review, or share this post with other parents—it helps us reach more families like yours.