PPS-SF School Tour Checklist

School tours are a good way to get to know a school’s staff, principal, parents, students, and facilities, to see if it is a good fit for your family. You can also get to know schools by attending community-wide events, such as fall festivals or spring carnivals. Here are some things to note when on a tour:

Logistics

• School name and address

• Start and end times

• Uniform or dress code

• Number of classes per grade; size of school

• Transportation options

School Culture

• Do you think your child will like this environment?

• Does the culture of the school fit with your family’s style and values?

School Facilities

• Accessibility

• Yard & play structures

• Buildings, classrooms

• Gym, cafeteria, auditorium

Staff

• Principal: What is her/his style, vision, leadership?

• Teachers: Do you like what you are seeing in the classrooms?

• Who are the other adults on campus? (paraprofessionals, parent liaisons, nurses, etc.)

Programs

• Assemblies, school wide activities, field trips

• Library and technology

• Art, gardening, science enrichment

• Collaboration with businesses and community organizations

• Other enrichment programs, during the school day and in after care

Supervision

• How do drop-off and pick-up work?

• What are the before- and after-school care options?

• How are lunch and recess supervised?

• Rainy day activities

• Discipline policy

Parent Involvement (Beyond Fundraising)

• What are some easy ways for new parents to get involved?

• As a new parent, how can you imagine yourself becoming a part of this school?

• How does the school build community with events and programs that are inclusive of all families?

Communication

• How does the school share information with families?