St. Augustine Prep Blog

7 Questions to Ask When Touring a High School

Posted January 18th, 2018

You already know that high school is a time of incredible growth. That’s why finding the right learning environment for your son is so important to you. These four years will set the stage for your child’s future as he grows academically, professionally, and personally. 


With many options at hand, selecting the best school can feel like an overwhelming task. Researching online, talking with other parents, and touring campuses is immensely helpful in narrowing down the list. In fact, campus tours are almost always the point when families make a decision. There’s simply no substitute for being immersed in the school’s culture, exploring the facilities, and talking with staff and students.

 

If you have tours or open houses coming up, you can maximize your time on campus by creating a list of questions ahead of time. Outlining the factors most important to you and your student will help you leave feeling empowered to make an enrollment decision.

 

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few questions that can create meaningful conversation with school staff.

 

What opportunities might my child have here that he wouldn’t have elsewhere?

This is a great question because it allows you to understand how each school is unique. Hopefully every school on your list offers strong academics, but think beyond the books. The experiences your child has in high school will prepare them for their next stage of life.

 

What are the class sizes like here?

Considering both small and large schools? Research shows that smaller class sizes foster greater academic success and closer relationships between teachers and students. When touring a school, it’s always a great idea to find out just how much individual attention your child will receive.

 

My child is a ____ learner. Do you believe his needs will be met here?

If you know your child’s learning style, you will be best equipped to speak with faculty about how their programs align. Ideally, teachers would be able to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.

 

My student is interested in ____. Is there a related extracurricular activity offered?

Find out how extracurricular activities impact the student experience. If there’s a passion your child wants to explore or develop, be sure to ask about that specific activity. High participation in extracurricular activities make for a dynamic student life.

 

In what ways will you help prepare my child for college?

Your child’s future in higher education has certainly come to mind in the high school search. Now is the time to find out what school will prepare them best. Ask when college prep begins, what activities and assessments are offered, and how students are supported by designated college prep staff.

 

What is the campus culture like?

This may seem like a vague question, but it’s an opportunity to learn whether or not the school will align with your family values. You’re looking for a partner as you continue to raise your son toward adulthood. The answer to this question often helps determine if a school will be a good fit.

 

Where do your students matriculate to?

In addition to asking about the college prep process, find out where their students actually end up going. Your child may already have a college in mind. Does the school have a relationship with that institution? A secondary question here might involve the scholarships students are able to secure.

 

Learn More About Saint Augustine Preparatory School

At Saint Augustine Preparatory School, we know you have lots of questions, and we look forward to answering them! We hope you’ll schedule a campus tour so we can speak in person. In the meantime, please download our e-book on the transition to high school. This free resource provides a framework for choosing the best school for your son and may help answer some preliminary questions you have about our community.