Questions to Ask During a School Tour (Special Education Edition!)

Sep 9

Choosing a school for your student is a big decision. When your child has learning differences, developmental disabilities, behavioral needs, or other exceptionalities, finding the right educational environment can feel even more overwhelming. A school tour is your opportunity to look beyond the classrooms and ask questions that help you determine whether the school is truly the right fit for your child—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and functionally.

If you’re considering a private special education school in Arizona, here are some important questions to bring with you on your next tour.

1. How does your school individualize instruction?

One of the most important questions to ask is how the school adapts instruction to meet each student’s unique needs.

Ask:

How are students grouped for instruction?
How is my child’s IEP (or learning needs) incorporated into their daily instruction?
How do you determine a student’s academic starting point?
How often is student progress assessed?
What happens if my child is struggling with a particular skill?
How do you challenge students who are ready to move ahead?

You want to hear about more than simply having an IEP on file. Ask how individualized goals actually translate into your child’s day-to-day educational experience.

2. How do you support students with behavioral needs?

For many families, behavior support is a critical part of finding the right school.

Consider asking:

How does the school respond when a student is dysregulated?
Do you use positive behavior supports?
How do staff identify the function of a behavior?
Are behavior intervention plans implemented by trained staff?
What happens if a student has a significant behavioral incident?
How do you communicate behavioral concerns with families?

A strong school should be able to explain its approach clearly and demonstrate that behavior is viewed as communication and an opportunity for skill development—not simply something to punish.

3. What related services are available?

Depending on your student’s needs, related services may play an important role in their educational program.

Ask what services are available, such as:

Speech-language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Counseling or social-emotional support
Behavioral services
Other specialized therapies or supports

Also, ask whether services are provided on campus, how frequently they occur, and how providers collaborate with teachers.

4. How do you communicate with parents?

You know your child better than anyone. The best educational partnerships recognize that parents are an important part of the team. At AZ Aspire, we believe that parents are experts in their student, and we want to partner with you to ensure their needs are met in our school environment.

Ask:

How frequently will I receive updates about my child?
Who should I contact if I have a question or concern?
How do teachers communicate with families?
How are parents involved in IEP/Learning Plan meetings?
How does the school handle disagreements or concerns?

Pay attention not only to the answer, but to how the school responds. Do you feel heard? Do they welcome your questions? Do they seem interested in getting to know your child?

Those interactions can tell you a lot.

5. What does a typical school day look like?

Ask to see what your student’s actual day might look like.

Questions might include:

What time does the school day begin and end?
How much time is spent on academics?
How often do students receive breaks?
What electives or enrichment opportunities are available?
How much time do students spend with peers?
Are students able to participate in activities outside of the classroom?
How much flexibility is built into the daily schedule?

A school may look wonderful during a tour, but understanding what your child will actually experience each day is much more important.

6. What are your class sizes and student-to-staff ratios?

Small class sizes can be particularly important for students who require individualized attention.

Ask:

How many students are typically in each classroom?
How many adults support each classroom?
Are paraprofessionals assigned to individual students or classrooms?
How are staffing decisions made based on student needs?

Rather than focusing solely on a ratio, ask how staffing translates into actual individualized support for your child.

7. How do you prepare students for life beyond school?

Education is about more than academics. A school should prepare a student for life when they finish their schooling.

Ask how the school supports skills such as:

Independence
Self-advocacy
Social skills
Executive functioning
Communication
Daily living skills
Vocational preparation
Community participation
Transition planning

For older students, ask specifically how the school prepares students for life after graduation and what postsecondary options they support.

8. How do you support students who struggle with transitions?

Transitions can be particularly challenging for some students.

Ask:

How do you help new students adjust to the school?
What happens when a student struggles with a change in routine?
How are transitions between classrooms handled?

A thoughtful transition plan can make a significant difference in how successfully a student adjusts to a new school.

9. What should I know about tuition and Arizona ESA funding?

For Arizona families considering a private school, finances and funding are an important part of the decision.

Ask:

What is the school’s tuition?
Does the school participate in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program?
What expenses are included in tuition?
Are there additional fees for services, activities, transportation, or supplies?
What happens if ESA funding does not cover the full cost?
Who can help me understand the enrollment and funding process?

Make sure you understand the complete financial picture before making a decision.

10. What does success look like at your school?

This may be the most important question of all.

Ask the school:

“How do you define success for your students?”

Listen carefully to the answer.

Is success measured only by grades and test scores? Or does the school also talk about confidence, independence, communication, self-advocacy, relationships, emotional regulation, functional skills, and preparing students for life beyond school?

Every child deserves a school that recognizes their strengths and believes in their potential.

Don’t Just Tour the School—Tour the Culture

During your visit, look beyond the classrooms. Watch how staff interact with students. Notice whether students appear comfortable and engaged. Pay attention to how teachers talk about the children they serve.

Most importantly, ask yourself:

“Can I see my child belonging here?”

The right school should feel like more than a place where your child receives an education. It should be a place where your child is known, supported, challenged, celebrated, and given opportunities to grow.

Bring your questions. Trust your instincts. And remember—you are not simply choosing a school.

You are choosing a partner in your child’s journey.