WhichPrivate School

Finding the fit

The questions worth taking on a school tour

A useful school tour tests fit for your child. Ask for specific examples of classroom practice, available support, and the complete financial commitment before you apply.

Reviewed September 8, 2026 · Which Private School editorial guide · How we work

Start with your child’s day

Describe how your child learns, what helps them settle, and what has been difficult in past classrooms. Ask how teachers would respond in a normal week. A specific example tells you more than a general promise.

  • What does a typical day look like for this grade?
  • How do you respond when a child needs more help or more challenge?
  • How do teachers communicate concerns to parents?

Check support before assuming it exists

Ask which services the school provides directly, which use outside providers, and which require extra payment. A voucher award or an existing IEP does not, by itself, confirm that a private school offers the support your child needs.

  • Who provides learning support, and how often?
  • Can you describe the support you could offer my child?
  • What additional service costs would we be responsible for?

Get the whole cost in writing

Ask for a quote for the exact grade, attendance schedule, and start date. Confirm tuition, mandatory fees, care, meals, transport, and payment terms. Discuss how a voucher could affect school aid.

  • What is due before an admissions or funding decision?
  • Which payments are refundable?
  • What happens if TEFA is delayed, prorated, or not awarded?

Leave with a next step

Confirm whether seats are open in your child’s grade. Ask for the current application checklist and deadline directly from admissions. Save the school to your shortlist, then record the answers privately for your family.

  • What are the admissions steps and decision dates?
  • Can my child visit or spend time in a classroom?
  • Who should answer follow-up questions?
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