This is the time where parents might be starting to tour other schools, either because their child is graduating to the next level, because of a move, or because a better opportunity has come up.
Whatever the case, these tours are important. If the tour goes well, everyone gets excited for the upcoming school year. If it doesn’t, there can be many reservations that follow through the first few months of the year and beyond.
Here’s what to look for as you wind through the halls.
If possible, go while school is in session
You won’t be able to avoid getting the “dog and pony” show. The tour guide—administrator or otherwise—will still steer you toward the more impressive classes and labs, but with school in session at least you see what the kids at the school are like.
Are they generally happy? Does the teacher have control? Are they engaged with the lessons? If you can catch them during transitions (moving from one place to another), how orderly is the group? And the big thing: can you see your child fitting in with this group?
If possible, talk to their teacher
As you well know, a child’s teacher determines a lot of the child’s educational success—for better or worse. That being said, they won’t have great teachers throughout the entire 13 years of their school careers.
Talking to their teacher signals to them that you are an engaged, passionate parent. It’s terrible to say, but that probably means you’ll receive “better service” next year, if anything because they can put a face to the name when an e-mail comes through. If you get bad vibes, resist the urge to get your child switched to another class. Give the teacher some time.
Resist the bells and whistles
Again, you’re going to receive the dog and pony show, which probably means the most technologically advanced room and teacher on the campus. They will probably be doing some really cool, interactive lesson. Don’t get sucked in.
First off, not every day can be like that. It’s impossible, even with the nerdiest teachers. Also, for every teacher that’s married to their iPads, there is one that will have to have their worksheets and textbooks pulled from their cold, dead hands. Don’t let the tech influence any decisions. Remind yourself: by the time your child is done with that school, technology will be even more pervasive in education than it is now.