The answer differs depending on the age of the children. There are some general points, but first a cautionary word about instant judgments. Some educationists claim that they can sense whether all is well in a school after the first five minutes - this is a dangerous belief, for a valid assessment requires time, the ability to ask the right questions, and seeing the school in action.
Some educational institutes function perfectly well even if the head is inadequate, but most will reflect his / her strengths - and weaknesses.
Evaluating a school: Indicative check-list (non exhaustive)
• Teacher: student ratio (total strength of school, number of teaching and non teaching staff, class size).
• Quality of teachers (Qualifications, experience, levels of motivation, training and development undertaken, competency).
• Academic and administrative support available to the teachers.
• Access of staff to contemporary research and development and pedagogic trends.
• Curriculum design (academic and co-curricular activities).
• Hobbies and spare time activities.
• Involvement of every student in different aspects of the curriculum.
• Study tours and outings undertaken.
• Academic options available to students.
• Provision for remedial classes.
• Non-denominational or denominational nature of school.
• Organization of the school day.
• Discipline.
• Separation and supervision of younger and older children.
• Admission policy and procedure.
• Age group is the same of different children in the entry class.
• Mix of students from different backgrounds.
• Student assessment system and records.
• Past school results.
• Attitude of the students and staff.
• Grooming standards, deportment and bearing of students and staff.
• General awareness and communication skills of students.
• Affiliation and memberships of the school.
• Infrastructure available (land, building, laboratories, play fields, library, other facilities) and its quality.
• Use of technology in delivering the curriculum and in general administration.
• Cleanliness and neatness of campus: maintenance of building and other facilities.
• Overall atmosphere and cheer of campus life.
• Landscaping, greenery, vegetation and foliage of campus - closeness with nature.
• Location of school in terms of accessibility, environment, availability of community services, possibility of networking with other educational institutes / agencies.
• Information on Notice Boards.
• Other sources of funds.
• Availability of financial assistance to students.
• Information regarding alumni.
• Philosophy and mission of the school.
• Concern, competence, credentials and leadership of Governing body members, Principal and other key resources.
• Constitution, objectives, public image of owning body (Society / Trust).
• Functioning of Parent-Teacher Association and its role.
• Visits by external luminaries and speakers.
• Integration of school with local community.
• Participation of school in competitions and tournaments.
• Career and college entry of school leavers.
• Transportation arrangements to and from school.
• Comparative standards of other schools in the area / region /country.
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