--- title: The Questions You Need to Ask on a School Tour description: While on a school tour, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and the answers you'll receive will make or break the school for you. The questions you ask will make a difference and we want to image: https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6431429/Imported_Blog_Media/Congressional_038_1_1.jpg --- [Infant - Grade 8 Private School. 40 Acre Campus in Falls Church, Virginia.](https://congressionalschool.org/about) [** Colts Corner](https://congressionalschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login) • [Calendar](https://www.congressionalschool.org/calendar/) • [703-533-9711](tel:703-533-9711) [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Congressional-Schools-of-Virginia/92739413575) [twitter](https://twitter.com/colts1939) [vimeo](https://vimeo.com/colts1939) [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/colts1939/) [rss](https://www.congressionalschool.org/blog/) [![Congressional School](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6431429/CongressionalSchool_October2019/images/1a-final-01-logo.png)](https://www.congressionalschool.org) - [About](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/) - [Welcome from Head of School](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/) - 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[Curriculum](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/curriculum/) - [Design Labs](https://www.congressionalschool.org/stem/designlabs/) - [Fine and Performing Arts](https://www.congressionalschool.org/the-arts/) - [Experiential Learning](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/field-trips/) - [Library & Technology](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/librarytechnology/) - [Physical Education](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/physical-education/) - [Campus Life](https://www.congressionalschool.org/campus-life/) - [Around Campus](https://www.congressionalschool.org/campus-life/) - [Athletics](https://www.congressionalschool.org/campus-life/athletics/) - [Before and After School](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/) - [Extended Hours Program](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/ehp/) - [After School Activities](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/afterschool/) - [Childcare Days](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/childcaredays/) - [Congressional Horses](https://www.congressionalschool.org/campus-life/horses/) - [Events & Traditions](https://www.congressionalschool.org/community/events-traditions/) - [Early Childhood](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/early-childhood-program/) - [Summer](https://www.congressionalschool.org/summer-at-congressional/) - [Congressional Camp](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/camp/) - [Summer Academy](https://www.congressionalschool.org/summer-at-congressional/summer-academy/) - [Support](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/) - [Gala & Auction](https://www.congressionalschool.org/gala/) - [Your Gift Matters](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/) - [The Congressional Fund](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/annual-fund/) - [Matching Gifts Information](https://www.congressionalschool.org/double-the-donation/) - [John J. Cavanaugh Endowed Fund](https://www.congressionalschool.org/endowed-fund/) - [Parent Organization (CSPO)](https://www.congressionalschool.org/cspo/) - [Alumni](https://www.congressionalschool.org/community/alumni/) - [Affinity Groups of Congressional School](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/affinity-groups-of-congressional-school/) - [Campus Transformation Projects](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/renovate/) - [CTLI](https://www.congressionalschool.org/ctli/) - [The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation](https://www.congressionalschool.org/ctli/) - [Faculty Innovation Grants](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/innovation-grants/) [![Blog-Title-01-300x119](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6431429/CongressionalSchool_October2019/images/Blog-Title-01-300x119.png)](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog) ## [Congressional School Blog](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog) # The Questions You Need to Ask on a School Tour **A Guide for Parents as They Tour Schools for Their Child** That time has come. Whether it's a natural transition between grades or the thought that a child's current school may not be the right fit, it's time to look for a new school. And that process can sometimes seem daunting. ![Drop off](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Drop%20off.jpg?width=730&height=497&name=Drop%20off.jpg)   As you consider and evaluate different schools, you'll, of course, want to visit the campuses for yourself. A school can paint a picture online that might be pretty, but you won't know if it is the right school until you see it, walk around, peek into classrooms, meet teachers, and get a feel for whether your child could make it his/her home away from home. While on a school tour, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and the answers you'll receive will make or break the school for you. **The questions you ask will make a difference and we want to make sure you get all the information you need to make the right decision for your child.** Below is a list of questions and a downloadable that you can take with you on your next tour. #### General Questions - Tell me about the culture of the school? (Purposefully leave this question broad to see the response and values communicated. Do they talk about community? Do they talk about the importance of developing character? Do they focus in on rigorous academics? You’ll learn a lot about the heart of a school from the initial response to this question.) - [How many children](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/at-a-glance/) attend the school? How many students are in the average classroom? - How long is the [school day](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/curriculum/)? - Are [meals](https://www.congressionalschool.org/on-the-menu/) and snacks provided? - What does the school day schedule look like? Structured? Free? Rotating? Block? - What competitive [athletics](https://www.congressionalschool.org/campus-life/athletics/) are offered and at what grade do they begin? - Is there a uniform or [dress code](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/frequently-asked-questions/)? - What [accreditations](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/at-a-glance/) does the school have? - What kind of [diversity](https://www.congressionalschool.org/community/diversity/) does the school have? - Tell me about the [leadership](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/board-of-trustees/) of the school. - What special features does your [campus](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/at-a-glance/) offer?   #### Academic - Does your school have a particular [educational philosophy](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/)? Lecture? Project-based? Play-based? Group learning? - What [curriculum](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/curriculum/) do you use? How does it compare to other schools? - How do you support students who are advanced academically? - How does the school respond to a student not meeting academic standards? - What is the school’s view on homework? What types of homework are given and how much? - How does [technology](https://www.congressionalschool.org/academics/librarytechnology/) support teaching and learning in the classroom? How is screen-time balanced with other learning styles? - How do fine arts fit into the curriculum? What classes are offered? How much time is spent in fine arts classes per week? - How much structured vs unstructured play is there? i.e. PE, athletics, recess - Where are your [graduates](https://www.congressionalschool.org/welcome/highschool-placement/) accepted? Where do they matriculate? - What is your approach to grades? Are they letter grades? Pass/Fail? A point or narrative system? | ![Mrs Turk](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Mrs%20Turk.jpg?width=658&height=438&name=Mrs%20Turk.jpg)   |   | | --- | --- | #### Social and Emotional - What [values](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/mission/) do you instill in your students? How do you [encourage those values](https://www.congressionalschool.org/when-students-make-the-rules/)? - What are the [leadership](https://www.congressionalschool.org/campus-life/leadership/) opportunities offered? Is there student government? - Tell me about your approach to student discipline. How about student safety and bullying? - Describe the student atmosphere. - What does [parent](https://www.congressionalschool.org/cspo/) involvement look like? - Tell me about the communication between parents and teachers. How often? What mediums of communication are used most?   #### Before and After School/ Transportation - How do students get to school? Do you offer bus [transportation](https://www.congressionalschool.org/welcome/transportation/)? - What does the [before and aftercare program](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/ehp/) look like if you have one? - What extracurriculars and clubs do you offer? - Is [childcare](https://www.congressionalschool.org/auxiliary/childcaredays/) offered during school breaks?   #### Teachers - Do teachers have opportunities for professional development? - In what ways do teachers collaborate? - How qualified are your [teachers](https://www.congressionalschool.org/community/faculty-staff/)? - What is the retention or turnover for the faculty and staff?   #### Logistical - What does [tuition](https://www.congressionalschool.org/welcome/financing-your-education/) include? Are there any extra fees? - Do you offer[financial aid](https://www.congressionalschool.org/welcome/financing-your-education/#FinancialAid) and what does that process look like? - Is there an [entrance test](https://www.congressionalschool.org/welcome/applying-to-congressional/)? How much emphasis is placed on the results? - What is expected of parents in regards to [fundraising](https://www.congressionalschool.org/support/annual-fund/) and development for the school?   ![DSC_1794](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC_1794.jpg?width=730&height=486&name=DSC_1794.jpg)   The most important question you can ask as a parent looking for a school for your child is one you have to ask yourself: **"What are the unique needs of my child and will this school meet those needs?"** We wish you the best as you go through this process!   ---   ![Amanda](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=Amanda.jpg)   **Featured:** Amanda Carbury Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid at [Congressional School](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/)         [Share](https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.congressionalschool.org%2Fwriting-process%2F&title=Some%20Thoughts%20on%20the%20Writing%20Process%20-%20Congressional%20School) [Facebook](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/#facebook) [Twitter](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/#twitter) [LinkedIn](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/#linkedin) [Pinterest](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/#pinterest) [Email](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/#email) [BACK TO ALL POSTS](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog)   ## [````Contact Us Now](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/questions-to-ask-on-a-tour#contact-form) [![LEARN MORE ABOUT ATTENDING CONGRESSIONAL](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952361/5f605e35-aad3-47d5-9844-db0e3aef81b4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952361/5f605e35-aad3-47d5-9844-db0e3aef81b4) **Check Out Our Recent Posts:** [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/6431429/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Congressional_Fall2017_187.jpg?width=300&name=Congressional_Fall2017_187.jpg)](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-school) **[How to Choose the Right School](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-school)** **[![](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Drop%20off.jpg?width=300&name=Drop%20off.jpg)](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/back-to-school-tips) **[Tips for Returning to School](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/back-to-school-tips)** **[![](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9706.jpg?width=300&name=IMG_9706.jpg)](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/always-growing) **[Always Growing](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog/always-growing)****** ******[View All Blog Posts](https://blog.congressionalschool.org/blog)****** ******[INQUIRE](https://www.congressionalschool.org/inquire/) [VISIT](https://www.congressionalschool.org/welcome/admission-calendar/) [APPLY](https://congressionalschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) [GIVE](https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/congressional/giving?token=597319632)****** ****** [Site Map](https://www.congressionalschool.org/site-map/) • [Contact Us](https://www.congressionalschool.org/about/contact-us/) ![Congressional School](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6431429/CongressionalSchool_October2019/images/congressional2.png) 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road ● Falls Church, VA 22042 ● 703-533-9711 Preschool - Grade 8 Private School Day Care Program (6 Weeks - 3 Years)******