10 Questions to Ask During School Open Day Visits

School open days are designed to impress. These ten questions get you past the campus tour and into the information that actually predicts your child's experience.

Academics

1. What is the pupil-teacher ratio in my child's grade? Below 25:1 is good for primary classes. Ask for the number in the specific section, not the school average.

2. What is the teacher retention rate? A school that loses a third of its teachers every year has a management problem that will reach your child's classroom.

3. How are learning gaps handled? Listen for a concrete answer — remedial classes, bridge courses, learning support staff — not "every child is special."

Money

4. What is the complete first-year cost? Admission fee + caution deposit + annual charges + uniform + books + transport. Get it as one number, in writing.

5. What has the fee escalation been over the last 3 years? A school that raised fees 15% annually will likely continue. Budget for the full schooling duration, not year one.

6. What is refundable if we withdraw? Especially relevant for caution deposits and advance quarterly fees.

Daily life

7. What does a typical day look like for my child's grade? How much homework? How much sport? How many gadget-hours?

8. How does the school communicate with parents? Daily app updates, weekly notes, or only term-end PTMs?

9. What is the discipline and anti-bullying policy? Ask for a real example of how a recent incident was handled.

10. Can I speak to two current parents? Confident schools connect you happily. Evasive ones are answering the question by avoiding it.

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