What to Ask on a School Tour (Even if it’s Not Ours!)

The Tour Season is officially here. As a parent, walking through the halls of a potential school can feel overwhelming. You’re looking at the facilities, the curriculum, and the tuition—but often, the most important "vibe" of a school is found in the questions you ask.

At LBACS, we want you to find the perfect fit for your family, even if that isn't us. To help you navigate your upcoming Open Houses, here is a "Handyman’s Checklist" of questions that get to the heart of a school’s culture.

1. "How do you handle conflict resolution between students?"

Don't settle for "we have a zero-tolerance policy." Real life involves conflict. Ask how teachers facilitate restoration. As a Christian school, we focus on Biblical reconciliation—teaching kids how to own their mistakes and truly forgive.

2. "What is your teacher retention rate?"

The "secret sauce" of any school is its faculty. High turnover often signals a lack of community or support. Ask the tour guide how long the average teacher has been there. Stability in the classroom leads to stability in your child’s emotional life.

3. "How is faith/values integrated into the non-religious subjects?"

Any school can have a chapel service. The real question is: How does faith show up in Biology? How does it show up in the way history is taught? Look for a school that views all truth as being interconnected.

4. "What is the 'Social Temperature' of the school?"

Ask the guide to describe the "average" student. Is there a culture of elitism, or a culture of service? Ask how new students are welcomed mid-year. At LBACS, we prioritize a buddy system because we know that a child cannot learn if they do not feel they belong.

5. "How do you partner with parents?"

You are the primary educator of your child; the school is your partner. Ask about communication frequency. Is there a "closed-door" policy, or are parents invited into the life of the school?

Pro-Tip for Your Tour: Look at the Walls

Don't just look at the shiny posters. Look at the student work on the walls. Does it look like 30 identical copies of a project, or does it show individual creativity? Does the work reflect the values the school claims to have?

Ready to put these questions to the test? We would love to be your "practice run" or your final choice. Book a tour today and ask us the tough questions. We’re ready!