Questions to Ask on a School Tour: A Parent’s Checklist for Charter Schools

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make. For families in Los Angeles County considering tuition-free public charter schools, a school tour or a phone call with staff are key opportunities to look beyond the brochure. Asking the right questions can reveal how the school really operates, its priorities, and whether it will meet your child's needs. This guide outlines the essential questions to ask, what to listen for, and how to interpret the public data every California school must publish.

Class Sizes and Teacher Workload

Class size affects how much individual attention your child receives. While charter schools in California are not bound by district class-size limits, they still adhere to state requirements. Ask directly: "What is the average class size at each grade level?" and "How many students are in the classroom where my child would be placed?" Follow up with: "How is instructional support managed when you have large classes?" Listen for concrete answers about paraprofessionals, aides, or co-teaching. A vague response like "it depends" may indicate inconsistency.

Reading and Maths Support

Every child learns differently, and strong support systems are critical. Ask: "How do you identify students who are struggling in reading or maths?" and "What specific interventions are available?" Inquire about the process: does the school use a response-to-intervention (RTI) model? Are there dedicated intervention teachers, small group pull-out sessions, or after-school tutoring? Ask about progress monitoring: "How often do you assess reading and maths, and how do you inform parents about progress?" Look for a clear, structured program rather than a vague promise of "differentiated instruction."

Behaviour and School Culture

A positive school culture is essential for learning. Inquire: "What is your approach to behaviour management?" and "What are the most common disciplinary issues you see?" Ask about the discipline policy: how are incidents handled, and what are the consequences? Look for restorative practices or socio-emotional learning programs that focus on understanding and repair rather than punishment. Also ask: "How do you support students with behavioural challenges?" and "What is the school's attendance rate and suspension rate?" These are often listed in the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) — ask if they can explain any figures.

Staff Turnover and Teacher Stability

High teacher turnover can disrupt your child's education. Ask: "What is the average years of teaching experience for your staff?" and "What percentage of teachers have been at the school for more than three years?" Also ask about leadership: "How long has the principal been in place?" Frequent changes in staff may signal low morale or poor working conditions, which can affect the classroom environment. A school that is transparent about staff retention and proud of its faculty is often more stable. Be wary of hesitation or vague answers.

SARC and Dashboard: The Data You Should Check

Every public charter school in California publishes a School Accountability Report Card (SARC) and is included in the California School Dashboard. Before or after your tour, access these online. The SARC contains data on class sizes, teacher qualifications, suspension rates, and more. The Dashboard shows indicators like test scores, chronic absenteeism, and graduation rates. When you speak with school staff, ask them to point out specific data points: "How does your school's mathematics achievement compare to the district average?" or "What are you doing to reduce chronic absenteeism?" A school that engages with its data, shares it openly, and explains its strategies is more likely to be effective.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Certain responses should raise red flags. If a school cannot give clear, specific answers to basic questions, it may be disorganized. Be concerned if they downplay low test scores or high suspension rates without a credible plan. If staff seem evasive about class sizes or teacher turnover, ask to see the SARC directly. Another warning sign is a focus on marketing rather than on student outcomes — for instance, if the tour emphasizes facilities but avoids educational philosophy. Also, be cautious if a school says it "does not have discipline problems" (every school does) or if it cannot describe its reading intervention in concrete terms. Finally, trust your instincts: if the atmosphere feels chaotic or staff seem overwhelmed, those impressions matter.

Remember, decisions about a child's education are not made on data alone. The best choice is one where your child will feel safe, supported, and challenged. Use these questions as a starting point, and always ask for the most recent SARC and Dashboard reports. Knowledge is the key to making an informed choice.