How to Evaluate a School
When you have a list of schools that you are interested in sending your child to, follow these steps.
Step 1: Look at School Academic Performance
Go to SchoolView.org. This Colorado Department of Education website provides state assessment data for each public school district and school.
Step 2: Prepare Questions You Can Ask While Visiting the School
Prepare a list of questions you can ask while visiting the school. Talk to the principal, teachers, students, and other parents at the school to get your questions answered. The web sites listed below will help you think about questions to ask.
- Selecting a School for Your Child
This U.S. Department of Education guide offers many ideas and questions to help parents choose a K-12 school. - School Evaluation Tool Kit
This list of thirty questions is based on a study of what makes good schools work. - Ask the Right Questions, Find the Right School
This list of questions will help you think about the school environment and the commitment level of school staff.
Step 3: Visit the School
Call the school office to set up a time to meet with the principal and tour the school.