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Along with the Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools 2024, Voice of San Diego made a helpful checklist for parents to use when considering a school.
If possible, try to take a tour and visit classrooms. It’s time consuming, but these visits can provide a wealth of information. It’s also helpful to solicit feedback from parents of current and recent past students. Ask the school for Parent Teacher Association (PTA) contact information if you don’t know any parents personally.
About the School
- What makes this school different from other schools?
- How many students are in each class?
- Where do the students who attend this school live?
- What’s the condition of the facilities? Are there plans for a remodel?
- How long has the principal been at the school? What is their background? What is their philosophy about how children learn, how a school should run and how parents can/should be involved?
- How does the school handle disciplinary matters? What is the school’s bullying policy?
- How long have most of the teachers been at the school?
- Is bus service available? If so, what is the cost?
- Does the school have a nurse onsite? What about other student support staff?
- What’s the school’s site safety plan? State law requires schools to keep updated plans outlining how they will respond to various situations.
About the School’s Programs
- Is there recess? How long and how often?
- Do you offer project-based learning opportunities, language programs or other special programs?
- How do you support students with different learning styles?
- How much homework is assigned?
- Are there field trips? Where to? Is there an extra fee?
- Are there sports/athletics?
- Are there arts programs? Are they separate or integrated into the class? Are there teachers who specialize in the arts?
- How is technology used at the school? Are students assigned tablets or laptops?
About Parent Engagement
- Is there a PTA? Is it active? What is their role? How do they interact with the school? What are the expectations of parent involvement in the school/classroom?
- How does the school share information with parents?
- Are teachers available for parent conferences? How often?
- Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer at the school?
- Does the school have a foundation? What is its role?