A school website or brochure cannot answer every question a parent may have. Before applying, speak with the school about academics, teachers, safety, fees, facilities, transport, student support and everyday school life.
Asking specific questions helps you understand how a school actually works and whether it is suitable for your child and family.
Quick guide: questions to ask a school
1. Questions about the school and curriculum
Start by understanding the school's educational structure, board, subjects and future continuity.
2. Questions about teaching and academics
Academic results are only one part of a school's approach. Ask how teaching, assessment and support happen every day.
3. Questions about teachers and class size
4. Questions about student support
5. Questions about safety and child protection
Do not stop at asking whether a campus is “safe.” Ask how its systems work in practice.
6. Questions about facilities and activities
7. Questions about wellbeing and school culture
8. Questions about fees and practical arrangements
Ask for the complete cost of attending the school and request the fee structure in writing.
9. Questions for boarding schools
10. Questions to ask during a school visit
Questions to ask current parents
Current parents can share practical information about communication, teachers, concerns, additional costs, commute, activities and support. Consider multiple experiences rather than relying on one person's opinion.
Questions to ask before paying the admission fee
Common mistakes when asking questions
- Asking only about fees and ignoring academics or safety.
- Asking general questions instead of requesting practical details.
- Not asking about additional costs.
- Failing to compare answers in the same format.
- Relying only on an admission counsellor for every topic.
- Not visiting the campus whenever a visit is possible.
FAQs
What questions should parents ask before choosing a school?
Ask about curriculum, teaching, teachers, class size, academic support, safety, facilities, fees, transport, activities, student wellbeing, communication and admission requirements.
What should I ask about school fees?
Ask for the complete fee structure, including tuition, admission charges, annual fees, transport, books, uniform, activities, meals, hostel charges and all compulsory costs.
What should parents ask during a school visit?
Ask about classrooms, teachers, curriculum, safety, facilities, student support, transport, timings, fees and the admission process. Also observe student and teacher interaction.
What questions should I ask about safety?
Ask about visitor access, campus security, CCTV, emergency procedures, fire drills, student pickup and release, medical emergencies and child-protection procedures.
What should I ask about teachers?
Ask about qualifications, experience, training, staff stability, student-teacher ratio and how teachers communicate with parents.
Should parents ask about extracurricular activities?
Yes. Ask which sports, clubs, arts and activities are offered, whether they are part of the timetable and whether additional charges apply.
How can I compare answers from different schools?
Create a comparison table and ask each school the same core questions. Record answers, fees, travel time and follow-up points.
Final question checklist
Choose with better information
Compare answers across shortlisted schools, visit the campus and consider how each school fits your child's needs and your family's practical requirements.