August 3, 2026 · Choosing a School
12 Questions to Ask on a Private School Tour
12 Questions to Ask on a Private School Tour
A school tour is the most useful thing you will do in your search. It tells you in twenty minutes what hours of website reading cannot. But only if you ask the right questions. Walk in with these twelve, and listen for how they get answered, not just what gets said.
About the classroom
1. What is the real class size and student-teacher ratio? This is the heart of individual attention. You want real numbers and a sense that every kid is truly known, not a vague "small."
2. What does a typical day look like? You are trying to learn if the day is active or passive. A good answer describes projects, discussion, and movement. Kids doing, not just sitting.
3. How do you handle different learning styles? Kids do not all learn the same way. A good answer shows the school bends to the child instead of expecting the child to bend to one method. At Highland, that is built into our philosophy.
About support
4. How do you help a child who is struggling? Every kid hits a hard patch. Listen for a school that catches problems early and steps in with real help.
5. How do you challenge a child who is ahead? Advanced kids coast and get bored in the wrong setting. A good answer shows the school can push a child further, not just keep them busy.
6. What happens if my child struggles socially? Belonging drives everything else. You want teachers who notice and gently help kids connect.
About the people
7. How long do teachers usually stay? Long tenure points to a happy, healthy school. Hope to hear about teachers who have been there for years.
8. How and how often will I hear about my child's progress? Good schools treat parents as partners. Look for regular updates, not just a report card twice a year.
About the setting
9. What is your approach to kindness, character, and discipline? Culture shapes a child as much as academics. A good answer is specific and warm, not just a list of rules.
10. What are your safety and check-in steps? This is about peace of mind. You want clear, thoughtful procedures.
About the whole experience
11. What programs and extras do you offer? Arts, enrichment, and a good summer program make a happy, well-rounded kid. Listen for more to the day than the core subjects.
12. How does enrollment work, and can we start mid-year? This is about timing and flexibility. Many schools, Highland included, enroll on a rolling basis all year. See our FAQ.
Two things to do while you are there
Bring your child. Their reaction tells you a lot, and picturing themselves there calms any nerves. And watch the students, not just the tour. Are kids engaged? Kind to each other? Happy? The students are the truest review of a school. More on reading a school's culture in how to spot a nurturing school culture.
For the bigger-picture check around your visit, pair this with our full private school checklist.
Ready to ask us these? We love tour days. Book a visit to Highland Academy in Absecon, or call (609) 652-9500. Bring your list.
Where to go from here
The right questions turn a polite walk-through into a real look at the school. Ask these twelve, watch the kids, and trust what you feel. You will leave knowing whether a school fits your child.
Come see how Highland answers them. Book a tour or call (609) 652-9500.
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