The best questions to ask on a school tour cover academics, class sizes, pastoral care, teachers, accreditation, and fees. Strong questions move past the highlight reel. They show how a school actually treats each child.
Many parents tour a school and ask only about facilities. That misses what matters most for daily learning. At The ABC International School (ABCIS), we welcome sharp questions, because the right answers help families choose with confidence.
This guide groups the smartest questions to ask on a school tour by theme. You will learn what to ask, why it matters, and what a strong answer sounds like. Use it on every visit.
Table of contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why the Questions You Ask on a School Tour Matter
- How to Prepare Before the Tour
- During the Tour: Watch as Well as Ask
- Questions to Ask About Academics and Curriculum
- Questions to Ask About Class Sizes and the School Day
- Questions to Ask About Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
- Questions to Ask About Teachers and Leadership
- Questions to Ask an International School
- Questions to Ask About Fees and Practicalities
- The One Question to Ask Yourself
- How ABCIS Welcomes Your Questions
- Make Every School Tour Count
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- A school tour is your best chance to test the reality behind the marketing.
- Group your questions by theme: academics, wellbeing, staff, and logistics.
- Listen for specific answers, not rehearsed lines or vague promises.
- International schools need extra questions on accreditation, curriculum, and language support.
- Bring your child, and judge each answer against their real needs.
Why the Questions You Ask on a School Tour Matter
A polished website tells you little about daily life inside a school. A tour lets you see the truth. Good questions to ask on a school tour turn a sales pitch into an honest conversation.
Before you visit, it helps to know how to choose the best international school in Ho Chi Minh City. That groundwork sharpens the questions you bring on the day.
Parents often focus on shiny buildings and new technology. Facilities matter, but teaching and care matter more. The questions below help you look past first impressions.
How to Prepare Before the Tour
Do Your Homework First
Read the school website and recent inspection reports before you arrive. Note anything unclear or missing. A short parent checklist for choosing a school keeps you focused on the day.
Bring Your Child Along
Your child will notice things you miss. Watch how staff greet them. A warm welcome tells you a lot.
During the Tour: Watch as Well as Ask
Answers only tell part of the story. Watch the classrooms, corridors, and faces around you. Body language often reveals more than words.
Read the Classroom
Look at pupils at work during your visit. Are they engaged, calm, and curious? A busy, happy room is a strong sign.
Notice the Small Things
Notice displays, tidiness, and how staff speak to children. These details reveal a school’s everyday culture. Trust what you see, not just what you hear.
Questions to Ask About Academics and Curriculum
Learning is the point of school. Ask about content, not just results.
- What curriculum do you follow, and why?
- How do you stretch confident learners?
- How do you support children who fall behind?
- What is your approach to homework?
- How much time goes to the arts, sport, and play?
Curriculum and Teaching Approach
Ask how teachers actually teach each day. Look for a clear, consistent method. In Vietnam, many families prefer British curriculum schools for their structure and global recognition.
Ask for a real example from a recent lesson. Specific stories show a confident, well-planned classroom. Silence or waffle can be a warning sign.
Assessment and Progress
Ask how the school measures progress beyond exams. Strong schools use tools like CAT4, GL Assessment, and a Standard Age Score. These add depth to any report card.
What a Strong Answer Sounds Like
A strong answer is specific and calm. Staff give examples and admit limits. A rehearsed, glowing reply should make you dig deeper.
Questions to Ask About Class Sizes and the School Day
Class Sizes and Ratios
Class size shapes how much attention your child receives. Ask for real numbers, not averages across the school.
- What is the average class size in my child’s year?
- What is the adult-to-child ratio?
- How is teaching assistant support arranged?
Smaller classes usually mean more feedback and faster help. Still, a skilled teacher matters more than numbers alone. Ask how the school balances both.
A Typical School Day
Ask what a normal day looks like from arrival to home time. The rhythm of the day reveals a school’s real priorities.
- How is the day structured?
- When do children eat, move, and rest?
- What does break and lunchtime look like?
Also ask what extracurricular activities run each week.
Questions to Ask About Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Wellbeing and Behaviour
Happy children learn best. Ask how the school protects wellbeing for students and handles conflict. Listen for a caring, consistent approach.
- How do you support pupils who feel anxious?
- How do you approach discipline?
- How do you prevent and tackle bullying?
Settling In and Friendships
Moving school is hard for any child. Ask how new pupils are welcomed and paired with buddies. A good plan eases the first weeks.
Questions to Ask About Teachers and Leadership
Teacher Qualifications
Teachers make or break a school. Ask where staff trained and how they keep learning. Qualified, supported teachers tend to stay.
- Are teachers qualified in their subjects?
- What professional development is offered?
- How is teaching quality reviewed?
Staff Retention
High turnover can unsettle children. Ask how long staff typically stay. Steady teams point to a healthy culture.
Ask to meet a class teacher if you can. A short chat reveals warmth and expertise quickly.
Questions to Ask an International School
International schools raise extra questions that local guides often skip. These cover quality, curriculum, and language.
Accreditation and Inspection
Accreditation proves a school meets external standards. Ask what school accreditation the school holds. For British schools, BSO accreditation is a key marker of quality.
Curriculum and University Pathways
Ask which qualifications students sit and where graduates go next. Cambridge iGCSEs and A Levels open doors worldwide. Global university destinations show real outcomes.
English Language Support
Many families move from other languages. Ask how the school supports pupils learning in English. Strong language support helps children thrive quickly.
Ask whether extra help costs more or is included. Clear answers show an honest, organised school.
Questions to Ask About Fees and Practicalities
Fees and Hidden Costs
Fees are only part of the cost. Ask about international school fees and every extra charge. Uniforms, trips, and buses add up.
- What is included in the fees?
- What extra costs should I plan for?
- Are sibling discounts or scholarships available?
Admissions and Transport
Ask how to apply and how long it takes. A clear school admissions process shows a well-run school. Also check bus routes and timings.
The One Question to Ask Yourself
After every visit, ask one honest question. Will this school meet my child’s real needs? Your answer matters more than any brochure.
How ABCIS Welcomes Your Questions
At the ABCIS, we encourage families to ask us anything. We are proud of four consecutive BSO Outstanding grades. Our answers are backed by evidence, not slogans.
Our pupils follow the Cambridge International pathway, from iGCSEs to A Levels. More than 95% of graduates progress to universities worldwide. Programmes like House Teams, MUN, and the International Award build character.
We also hold COBIS and FOBISIA membership. When you tour the ABCIS, we will show you real classrooms and real results.
Make Every School Tour Count
The right questions to ask on a school tour protect one big decision. They cut through polish and reveal daily reality. Prepare, listen closely, and trust what you see.
Ready to see a British international school in action? Book a visit to the ABCIS and bring your toughest questions. We would love to show you around.
- Trung Son Campus: #152-158, Street No. 1, Trung Son, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nha Be Campus: #2, Street No. 9, Tan An Huy, Nha Be Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Phone: +84 (0)28 7308 1828
- Email: office@theabcis.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask on a school tour?
Ask about the curriculum, class sizes, wellbeing, teacher qualifications, accreditation, and fees. Good questions to ask on a school tour move past facilities. They reveal how the school supports each child every day.
How many schools should I tour?
Try to visit at least three schools before deciding. This gives useful comparison without overwhelming your family. Compare them on the points that matter most to your child.
Should I bring my child on a school tour?
Yes, whenever possible. Your child will sense the atmosphere in ways you cannot. Ask them afterwards how the visit felt.
What should I ask an international school specifically?
Ask about accreditation, curriculum, and English language support. Check which qualifications pupils sit and where graduates study next. These questions reveal genuine international quality.
When is the best time to book a school tour?
Book during a normal teaching week if you can. Term-time visits show the school as it truly is. Avoid relying on staged open days alone.
