Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and a school Open Day offers an opportunity to look beyond classrooms and facilities. For parents, it is a chance to meet teachers, understand the school culture and get a clearer picture of everyday life.
Crawford International is helping parents make the most of their next school Open Day by sharing some practical questions to ask before choosing a school. With families often focused on academics, fees and facilities, the school highlights other areas that can provide a deeper understanding of a child’s everyday experience. From personalised learning and school culture to communication, extracurricular activities and future pathways, these questions can help parents make a more informed decision about their child’s education.
1. How Does The School Support Each Child’s Individual Strengths?
Every child learns differently. Ask how the school identifies individual strengths, interests and areas where additional support may be needed.
Understanding the school’s approach to personalised learning can give you a better idea of how your child will be supported academically and emotionally. It can also help parents understand how teachers respond to different learning needs.
2. What Opportunities Are There Beyond The Classroom?
A child’s school experience extends far beyond academic lessons. Therefore, ask about sport, cultural activities, leadership opportunities, technology, community involvement and other extracurricular activities.
These experiences can help children develop confidence, teamwork, communication and leadership skills alongside their academic development.
For parents, it is also useful to ask how students are encouraged to discover interests outside their core subjects.
3. How Does The School Prepare Students For The Future?
It is worth looking beyond what your child will learn today and asking how the school prepares students for tomorrow.
Find out how the school develops skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication and leadership. You can also ask about university pathways, career guidance and opportunities for global exposure.
These questions can help families understand whether the school is focused not only on academic achievement, but also on developing well-rounded students.
4. What Is The School Culture Like?
A school’s culture can have a significant impact on a child’s experience. Ask how the school creates an environment where students feel supported, respected and encouraged to participate.
During your Open Day visit, take time to observe how students interact with one another and with their teachers. Notice whether students appear comfortable asking questions, participating in activities and engaging with staff.
Sometimes, what you see can be just as informative as what you are told.
5. How Do Teachers And Parents Communicate?
Strong communication between a school and families is an important part of a child’s education. Ask how parents receive updates about academic progress, school activities and their child’s overall development.
You may also want to ask how often parents can expect communication and whom they should contact if they have concerns.
Understanding how and when communication takes place can help parents know what to expect after their child joins the school.
6. What Does A Typical School Day Look Like?
A school tour may show you where your child will learn, but asking about a typical day can help you understand how they will experience it.
Ask about lessons, breaks, activities, transitions and opportunities for students to interact with their peers. For younger children, parents may also want to ask about routines, play and pastoral support.
This can provide a more realistic picture of daily school life and help you consider whether the routine would suit your child.
7. What Makes Your School Different?
This may be one of the most valuable questions to ask at a school Open Day.
Rather than simply comparing facilities, ask what the school believes sets its educational approach and student experience apart. The answer can help you understand the school’s values, priorities and vision.
It can also give parents a useful starting point for comparing schools based on what matters most to their child and family.
8. Look Beyond The Questions During Your School Open Day
The best questions are not always answered verbally. Sometimes, the school environment itself can provide valuable insight.
An Open Day gives families the opportunity to see the learning environment, meet the people behind the education and get a sense of what everyday life could look like for their child.
Look at how students interact with teachers. Observe the atmosphere in classrooms and shared spaces. Consider whether the school feels welcoming and whether you can imagine your child becoming part of the community.
Ultimately, choosing a school is about more than comparing facilities or academic results. It is about finding an environment where your child can learn, participate, develop confidence and feel supported.
If you are considering your options for the year ahead, Crawford International’s Gauteng Open Day will take place on 5 September 2026. The school’s official website confirms the date and invites prospective families to attend.
A visit can give parents an opportunity to ask questions, meet staff and experience the school environment before making an important decision.
