Schools Checklist
Our surveys of relocating families show that the most effective way to learn about schools in your new area is to talk with the school superintendent and the individual school administrator. Whether in person or on the phone, this discussion will allow you to gain firsthand knowledge of the school and its activities, as well as provide an opportunity to discuss your children's particular needs.
School District
School district name ________________________________________________
Contact name _______________________ Telephone__________________
Total enrollment _________ Number of schools ________ Grades ________
What percentage of the school district's financing comes from the
following sources ____% local _____% state ____% federal ____% other
Expenditure per pupil $______________________________________________
Is the school district unionized? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, what is their strike record?_________________________________
Individual School
School name _________________________________________________________
Contact name _____________________ Telephone ________________________
Grade levels ____________________
Towns/areas attending this school ___________________________________
Total school enrollment ____________________
Bus routes __________________________________________________________
How long a ride? Miles __________________ Minutes ___________________
What percentage of pupils use the buses?_____________________________
Is there a charge to ride the bus? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, what is the cost? $ _________________________________________
Can high school students drive to school? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, is there adequate parking? [ ] yes [ ] no
Food services available: [ ] breakfast [ ] lunch [ ] snacks
Is it state-funded? [ ] yes [ ] no
Cost $ ______________________________________________________________
Is on-site or nearby daycare available:
Before school? [ ] yes [ ] no
After school? [ ] yes [ ] no
Names of daycare facilities available nearby ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Faculty
Teacher's salary:
Starting $ _______________________ Average $ ________________________
Does your school require competency testing of faculty? [ ] yes [ ] no
Are parent-teacher conferences provided? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, how many per school year? ___________________________________
Is there a parent-teacher association (PTA)? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, what percentage of parents has paid PTA membership dues? ____%
What activities does the PTA sponsor? ________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Classroom
How is the classroom organized?
[ ] [ ] traditional [ ] team-teaching [ ] other __________
Average class size _____ minimum
_____ maximum_____ Student/teacher ratio _____ / _____
Are the students given homework? _____ yes _____ no
If yes, approximately how many hours per night? _____________________
Education
What percentage of students continues into higher education?
___________ % college ___________ % vocational __________ % combined
Testing scores:
SAT: __________ verbal __________ math __________ combined
American College Testing (ACT):
___ natural science ___ reading ___ social science ___ mathematics
Other achievement tests relevant to the school system:
_____________________________________________________________________
Must the students pass a literacy test before graduating from high school?
[ ] yes [ ] no
What is the required passing grade? ________
What is the dropout rate (by grade or overall)? _____________________
What additional programs are available?
[ ] special education [ ] bilingual education [ ] honors program
[ ] gifted & talented programs [ ] computer literacy [ ] tutoring
[ ] work-study programs [ ] remedial instruction in math/reading
[ ] electives [ ] adult education [ ] vocational curriculum
[ ] other ______________________________
Are computers available to students? [ ] yes [ ] no
What type of laboratory science equipment is available?
_____________________________________________________________________
Is there a library on the school premises? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, how many volumes? __________ Number of periodicals? _________
Is there an organized student government program?
[ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, is there student participation? [ ] yes [ ] no
Is there a guidance program with career counseling? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, is it individual or group? __________________________________
Sports
What organized sports activities are available?
[ ] football [ ] field hockey [ ] hockey [ ] baseball
[ ] softball [ ] swimming [ ] basketball [ ] golf
[ ] cross country [ ] volleyball [ ] skiing [ ] soccer
[ ] track [ ] lacrosse [ ] tennis [ ] other____________________
What type of gym/sports facilities are available?
_____________________________________________________________________
What type of playground equipment is available?
_____________________________________________________________________
School Clubs
What school clubs are available?
[ ] band [ ] foreign language [ ] newspaper [ ] computer
[ ] orchestra [ ] American Field Services [ ] glee
[ ] yearbook [ ] drama [ ] ski [ ] pep
[ ] international relations [ ] choir [ ] debate/speech
[ ] chess [ ] science [ ] career development
[ ] DECA(Distributive Education Clubs of America)
[ ] other __________________________________________________________
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