School Tour Questions Every Parent Should Ask Many parents come away from a school tour still feeling they don't have enough information to make a decision. Usually, that's because they hadn't worked out beforehand exactly what they needed to find out. The right set of school tour questions helps you evaluate the curriculum, the teaching team, the environment, and student support policies. Use the checklist below to prepare better for your visit and build a stronger basis for choosing the right school for your child. Why a school tour matters A school's website and admissions materials give parents the basics, but a school tour offers a much clearer, first-hand view of the learning environment. How teachers interact with students, the atmosphere in each classroom, and how the school team answers questions are all things you can really only judge by visiting in person. A school tour is also a natural step in the admissions process at many schools, including Westlink. It gives parents the chance to get to know the learning environment more closely before completing and submitting their child's official application. A school tour lets parents experience the learning environment first-hand. What should parents prepare before a school tour? A productive school tour starts with preparation. Once you know exactly what you want to find out, it's much easier to stay focused on what matters and assess the school more actively rather than just taking it all in passively. Identify what your family actually prioritises Every family has different priorities. Some parents put academic quality first, while others care more about how well their child will settle in and fit with the learning environment. Before the tour, it helps to write down the three factors that matter most to your family. This keeps you from being swept up by first impressions of the facilities and overlooking issues that deserve a closer look. Bring a prepared list of questions A school tour usually runs 60 to 90 minutes, and a lot of information gets covered in that short window. If you rely on memory alone, it's easy to forget important questions along the way. That's why it helps to save your question list on your phone before you arrive. When you meet the right staff member, you can ask straight away and capture all the information you'll need for your decision later. Questions to ask during a school tour To get real value from a school tour, prepare questions across each key area in advance. The list below will help you keep the conversation focused, gather the information you need, and get a clearer sense of how well the school fits your child. Questions about the curriculum and learning journey This group of questions helps you understand which curriculum your child will follow, what they'll actually be learning, and how the transition between year levels works within the school. Which curriculum does the school follow — bilingual, international, or the MOET (Ministry of Education and Training) standard? Has the programme been officially authorised or accredited? How is the progression from your child's current year level to the next level structured within the school? If your child is transferring from another school, what process does the school use to assess their level on entry? What support is available if a student is struggling to keep up in a particular subject? What pathways do students typically follow after completing the programme? At schools that run more than one curriculum in parallel — such as Westlink's learning journey, which offers an IB programme across year levels alongside a bilingual programme on the same campus — it's worth asking specifically which curriculum applies to your child's year level, rather than relying on general information alone. Parents get a first-hand look at the curriculum during a visit to Westlink. Questions about safety and the school environment School safety isn't just about the facilities — it's also about how the school builds and applies its safeguarding policies in day-to-day school life. Does the school have a written safeguarding policy, and how is it applied in practice? What is the average class size? Is there a teaching assistant (TA) supporting each class? What extracurricular activities (ECAs) are currently running, and which ones can a new student join straight away? If a student is struggling emotionally or academically, who is the point of contact for direct support? It's also worth reading reviews from parents who already have children at the school, for an additional perspective before you decide. Extracurricular activities help students build skills and explore their interests. Questions about support for new students settling in This set of questions matters most for families whose child is changing schools, moving into a new learning environment, or has just returned to Vietnam after living abroad. Does the school offer dedicated English support for new students, such as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme? Are students placed by age or by their actual academic level? Does the school support students in maintaining their mother tongue alongside the main language of instruction? How quickly does the admissions team typically respond to parents' questions? Questions about the school and its teaching team The teaching team has a direct impact on a student's day-to-day learning experience. That's why it's worth asking not only about teaching experience, but also about how teachers and the school work together with families. Does the homeroom teacher have experience teaching in an international environment? Which channels does the school use to update parents on their child's progress, and how often? Is there a direct channel for parents to reach teachers or the school when needed? Beyond the direct questions, it's worth observing how teachers interact with students during lessons — this gives a clearer picture of the school's real learning environment and teaching approach. The teaching team plays a key role in students' learning experience. A few things to keep in mind after the school tour After the tour, take time to review the information rather than deciding on the spot. This helps your family weigh things more objectively, without letting first impressions sway the decision. Write down the answers while the details are still fresh. If you're comparing several schools, compare them group by group — curriculum, safety, how well your child would settle in, and the teaching team — for a more complete picture. If you're still unsure, you can ask for a second visit or look into a trial day so your child can experience the learning environment first-hand. Preparing your school tour questions in advance helps you see more clearly how well your child's needs match the learning environment you're considering. With clear criteria in hand, every tour becomes more useful and supports a well-informed decision for your family. At Westlink, parents can book a tour to experience the learning environment first-hand, learn more about the curriculum, and discuss any remaining questions before choosing a school.
