Education Guide 7.26.26 - Flipbook - Page 17
| Sunday, July 26, 2026 17
Top Questions Parents Should Ask on
an Independent School Tour
How to move beyond first impressions and better understand a school’s
culture, academics and student experience
By Claire Duarte, Contributing Writer
F
or many families, an independent
school tour is one of the most important steps in the school-search
process. Beautiful campuses, impressive facilities and warm welcomes can create
a positive first impression, but parents should
remember that a tour is also an opportunity
to gather meaningful information. The goal is
not simply to find a school that looks great on
paper, but one that aligns with a child’s needs,
learning style, interests and long-term goals.
One of the most valuable questions families can ask is: What makes this school different? While every school highlights strong
academics and supportive teachers, understanding a school’s signature programs can
reveal what truly sets it apart.
“Parents should ask about a school’s signature programs and what differentiates it from
other schools,” says Annie Morse, Director of
Admissions and Enrollment Management at
Roland Park Country School in Baltimore.
“At RPCS, our Gore Leadership Institute and
Holliday Heine STEM Institute are integral
parts of what makes our educational experience unique.”
Parents should also ask what a successful
student looks like at the school. The answer
often provides insight into the school’s values,
expectations and culture.
Another important topic is how the school
supports different types of learners. Every
child learns differently and understanding
how teachers differentiate instruction can
provide valuable insight into the educational
experience. Families should ask how teachers
identify students who need additional support and how they challenge students who are
ready for more advanced work.
Student well-being should be a priority as
well. Academic success matters, but so does
emotional health. Parents can ask about advisory programs, counseling resources, mentorship opportunities, and how the school
fosters a sense of belonging among students.
Equally important is understanding the
Photo: Adobe Stock
relationship between families and educators.
According to Morse, many parents overlook
this topic during the admissions process.
“One question families often forget to ask
is how essential the parent-teacher partnership is to a student’s success,” she says. “Understanding this partnership helps families
transition smoothly into a new school community and creates a strong foundation for
student growth.”
While questions about academics and
programs are important, families should also
pay attention to what they observe during
their visit. Some of the most telling moments
happen outside the classroom.
“Look at the spaces beyond the classrooms,” Morse advises. “How are students
interacting with one another in the hallways?
What are the relationships between students
and teachers like? How well do teachers know
their students?”
These everyday interactions can provide
valuable clues about a school’s culture and
sense of community. Strong student-teacher
relationships often play a significant role in a
child’s overall experience and success.
Parents should also ask about class size
and student-to-teacher ratios. While smaller
classes are often viewed as a benefit, the numbers alone do not tell the entire story. Families
should learn how teachers use smaller class
sizes to build relationships, provide individualized feedback and encourage participation.
Academic expectations should also be
discussed. Parents may want to ask how
homework is assigned, how student progress
is measured, and what support systems exist
when students struggle. Understanding expectations helps families determine whether a
school’s academic environment is the right fit.
Extracurricular opportunities deserve
attention as well. Athletics, arts, leadership
programs, clubs and service initiatives can
shape a student’s experience just as much as
classroom instruction. Families should ask
how participation is encouraged and whether
students have opportunities to explore new
interests.
Technology is another important consideration. Parents can ask how digital tools are
incorporated into learning and how schools
balance technology with face-to-face interaction and hands-on experiences.
For families considering middle or upper school programs, questions about future
planning may be especially relevant. Learning
about college counseling, internship opportunities, leadership development, and career
exploration can help families understand how
a school prepares students for life beyond
graduation.
Many parents also wonder how they will
know when they have found the right school.
While academics, programs and facilities all
matter, Morse believes the answer is often
more personal.
“It’s a feeling you get when you walk on
campus,” she says. “Sometimes you feel it the
first time you visit, and sometimes it develops
over multiple visits. Take advantage of opportunities to interact with admissions staff, faculty, current families and students.”
She also encourages families to follow
schools on social media and attend community events to gain a deeper understanding of
the school’s culture beyond a formal tour.
Finally, if possible, families should try to
visit while school is in session.
“You get a much better sense of the school
and community when students and teachers
are actively engaged in the school day,” Morse
says. “The energy and activity of a normal
school day can tell you far more than an empty campus ever could.”
Every child deserves a great school and
an outstanding education. It is important to
explore many paths and academic approaches
so that you can determine the best environment that will shape your child’s future.
It is the school where a child feels supported, challenged and inspired to grow. By
asking thoughtful questions, observing daily
interactions, and taking time to understand
a school’s culture, families can move beyond
brochures and marketing materials to make a
confident and informed decision about their
child’s future.
