If you’re a parent, you’re probably not a stranger to school districts and buying a home within certain neighborhoods to get into a particular school. There are many guides only that help rate schools based on curriculum, teachers, and programs. It might be helpful though to look at this helpful guide by Jessica Ashley that she wrote for @properties.
You’ve heard it on the playground, on your super-secret Facebook mom’s group and at every kid’s birthday party you’ve attended so far – applying to public schools in Chicago is more rigorous than completing college applications (and, yes, that includes Kindergarten). While you might find your child is 8459403th on the waiting list for your top-choice school, or that your Excel spreadsheet is packed full of great options, many parents who’ve been there will tell you that the best information you will get happens on a tour through the hallways, gymnasiums, cafeteria, and classrooms.
“Chicago has so many amazing public schools to offer that are sure to fit the specific needs of each child. Take tours and see for yourself,” advises CPS parent and Ravenswood Elementary tour guide Stephanie Mandrell. “Don’t just rely on what you hear or read on the internet. Not every school is the right fit for every child so do your research, tour the school, and find the one that best fits the needs of your students and family.”
We checked in with parents, teachers and school tour guides and reviewed this great guide by Raise Your Hand and consulted with CUE resources for questions parents might ask to make the med school…erm, preschool…selection process a bit smoother, and to help you get all the information you need to make the right choice for your child. There’s a lot here and it is certainly not comprehensive. Of course, you will choose the right questions to ask (or email as a follow-up to the tour) based on your student’s needs.
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- What makes this school a stand-out experience for children?
- What is the admissions process?
- How do we apply and get accepted?
- Is this a neighborhood school? Magnet school? Other status?
- What’s the new-student or Kindergarten transition process?
- What are the disciplinary practices?
- Is positive discipline practiced in all grades?
- How likely are students of color to have positive discipline outcomes here?
- Is social-emotional learning a focus?
- What kind of anti-bias training do teachers and staff use?
- What kinds of commitments to racial equity do the school policies, administration and teachers practice?
- What kinds of inclusion practices are in place?
- What special education supports are in place?
- What resources are available for children with IEPs?
- How are learning differences addressed?
- How do teachers incorporate diverse learning into the curriculum?
- Are there opportunities to take accelerated classes?
- What supports exist for second language learners?
- How many languages are spoken by students and families in this community, and how are those languages incorporated into the school experience?
- Are school communications translated?
- How are school events, news, and information communicated to parents?
- Are resources equitably shared across programs here?
- How do students see themselves reflected in the curriculum?
- What math, reading, writing and other programs or curriculum are used?
- How are the arts integrated into the curriculum?
- Is music education available?
- Is language instruction available?
- Is there homework help available?
- What kind of technology is in the classroom?
- What kind of technology will my child be using regularly?
- Is there a library?
- What is the school’s approach to standardized testing and preparation
- How do teachers speak to students about standardized testing?
- What are the classroom sizes at every grade level?
- Are teacher aides in the classroom?
- What is their role in instruction and classroom management?
- How much individualized attention can I expect for my student?
- What’s the response time from teachers?
- What kinds of professional development do teachers participate in here?
- How present are the principal and other administrators?
- How do most parents get in touch with the principal if there are concerns?
- Are there people of color in leadership positions here?
- What is the cell phone policy?
- What’s the homework policy?
- What grade does homework start?
- What are the expectations for homework time for primary grades? Upper grades?
- How are students supported in applying to high schools or academic centers?
- How are lunch and recess staffed?
- How long do students have to eat and for recess?
- Will kids play outside during inclement weather?
- What happens during indoor recess?
- How often is gym?
- Are there sports teams or clubs?
- What are drop-off and pick-up procedures?
- What are the after-school care options?
- How are lockdown and other drills handled?
- How involved are parents?
- Is there diversity among the active parents?
- Is there a Friends Of organization or PTA?
- When does the Local School Council meet?
- How well-attended are LSC meetings by parents and the public?
- What are a few of the top funding needs of the school right now?
- What are the annual student fees?
- How are school supplies handled?
- Are there fundraising expectations of parents?
- Which community organizations partner up with the school?
- Are there social activities at the school for families?
- How do parents connect with each other?
- What big annual events help build school community here?