Have you ever stepped into a school tour and wondered whether you were asking the right questions or missing critical details that could shape your child’s future?

Selecting the right elementary school is one of the most important educational choices a parent makes. For families, the number of available options can feel overwhelming. With many respected elementary schools in Virginia Beach and around the States, each offering unique programs and learning approaches, a school tour becomes an essential part of the decision-making process.

The purpose of this guide is to help parents navigate these tours with confidence. The following five must-ask questions will help you gather meaningful, relevant, and practical information that allows you to compare schools fairly and make a decision that supports your child academically, socially, and emotionally.

1. How Does the School’s Learning Philosophy Support Student Growth?

One of the first questions every parent should ask on a school tour is: “How does your teaching philosophy support a child’s academic, social, and emotional development?”

Every school follows a framework or approach that shapes how students learn. Some rely on traditional instruction, while many private elementary schools in Virginia Beach and around the United States incorporate more modern, student-centered methods.

This is especially important if your child learns through:

• Exploration

• Curiosity

• Creativity

• Hands-on activities

• Discussion-based learning

Parents drawn to inquiry-based learning often look toward IB Elementary School programs. The International Baccalaureate (IB®) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is known worldwide for encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, independence, and personal responsibility.

Families visiting an IB Elementary School often discover that IB® learning allows students to:

• Ask questions that guide their learning

• Connect classroom concepts to real-world ideas

• Think globally and act responsibly

• Develop communication and collaboration skills

• Learn through hands-on projects and inquiry-driven units

When considering elementary schools in Virginia Beach and around the States, this question helps you understand whether the school’s teaching style aligns with your child’s needs and potential.

2. What Makes the School’s Academic Program Strong and Future-Focused?

The next essential question is: “How does your academic program prepare students for future success?”

Academic excellence is not only about strong test scores, it is also about preparing children for the learning demands of the future. Families evaluating private elementary schools in Virginia Beach and around the States often focus on curriculum strength, instructional quality, and how the school measures growth.

Schools should demonstrate:

• A structured and research-based curriculum

• Clear learning targets

• Opportunities for advanced learners

• Emphasis on communication and writing

• Strong reading and math foundations

• Support for social-emotional growth

• A balanced approach to technology

Parents considering an IB Elementary School will find that IB® schools place significant emphasis on developing the whole child. The IB® Primary Years Programme nurtures academic strength through critical thinking, inquiry, and global awareness.

3. What Does a Typical Day Look Like for Students?

To truly understand a school, you must understand the daily student experience. During your tour, ask: “What does a normal school day look like for students at your school?”

This question provides insight into:

• Classroom structure

• Instructional routines

• Student engagement

• Balance between academics and enrichment

• Social interactions

• Technology integration

• Homework expectations

• Outdoor play and physical activity

• Specials such as art, music, and physical education

A well-structured school day should reflect the school’s philosophy while supporting children’s cognitive, social, and emotional needs.

A typical day at IB School may include:

• Morning meetings and community-building activities

• Inquiry-based lessons across subjects

• Small-group instruction

• Enrichment opportunities in art, music, language, and physical education

• Outdoor free play

• Science and STEAM exploration

• Library visits

• Reflection and discussion periods

For families searching for elementary schools, understanding the flow of the day helps determine whether a school environment suits your child’s personality and learning style.

4. How Does the School Communicate With Parents and Engage Families?

Family-school communication plays a significant role in student success. During your tour, be sure to ask: “How does the school communicate with families and keep parents informed about student progress and school activities?”

Strong communication practices may include:

• Weekly classroom updates

• Parent portals or digital platforms

• Direct teacher communication

• Scheduled parent-teacher conferences

• School newsletters

• Community events and volunteer opportunities

• Progress reports aligned with learning goals

Families often find that private elementary schools prioritize building close relationships with parents, creating an environment where families feel supported and connected.

Consistent communication raises transparency and builds trust—two essential qualities when evaluating schools.

5. What Is the Admissions Process and Timeline for Enrollment?

One of the most important practical questions parents must ask is: “What does your admissions process involve, and what steps are required to secure a space for my child?”

Admission procedures vary across private schools. When comparing private elementary schools in Virginia Beach and around the States, you may notice differences in:

• Application deadlines

• Required documentation

• Assessments or interviews

• Age cutoffs

• Tuition expectations

• Enrollment waitlists

• Open house or tour requirements

Understanding the admissions process ensures your child has the best opportunity to join the school that fits them best.

Additional Bonus Questions to Strengthen Your School Tour Evaluation

While the five core questions help you understand the school’s foundation, many families find it helpful to explore additional areas that influence long-term success and daily student experience. These bonus questions provide further insight into the school’s priorities, resources, and overall environment:

1. What is the student-to-teacher ratio, and how does it support individualized learning?

Understanding class size helps you determine how much personal attention your child will receive and how teachers manage different learning needs.

2. How does the school approach social and emotional learning?

Ask how the school supports emotional well-being, conflict resolution, confidence-building, and peer relationships.

3. What safety procedures and security measures are in place?

Families appreciate knowing how schools manage safety, emergency planning, visitor protocols, and student supervision.

4. How does the school integrate technology into the curriculum?

Learn whether technology is used for research, creativity, skill-building, or digital literacy, and at what grade levels it is introduced.

5. What extracurricular or enrichment programs are offered?

Clubs, athletics, performing arts, community service, and STEM activities can enrich a child’s development beyond the classroom.

6. How does the school support students with different academic needs?

Ask whether the school offers tutoring, enrichment, learning support, or differentiated instruction for advanced learners.

7. How does the school promote cultural awareness and global understanding?

This is especially relevant for families considering programs with international or inquiry-based frameworks.

8. What opportunities are available for parent involvement?

Many schools offer volunteer programs, family events, and community gatherings that help parents stay engaged in school life.

9. What assessments or evaluations are used to measure student progress?

Learn whether assessments focus on standardized tests, projects, portfolios, or ongoing teacher observations.

10. What transition support does the school offer when students move to the next grade level?

Smooth transitions help students adapt academically and socially as they progress through elementary school.

These bonus questions help families create a more complete picture of a school’s environment, ensuring every important factor from student safety to learning enrichment is considered while comparing options across elementary schools.

Why These Questions Matter When Choosing a School

Choosing an elementary school is about much more than a single tour or impression. It requires thoughtful comparison and a clear understanding of how each school supports the whole child. These five questions guide families toward the key elements that define a strong educational environment:

• A thoughtful teaching philosophy

• A balanced and effective academic program

• A structured and engaging daily routine

• Strong parent-school communication

• A clear and supportive admissions process

When touring schools across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and around the States, these questions help you evaluate how well each school aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. They give you a meaningful way to compare different private elementary schools and understand the unique aspects of each program. They also help you recognize the strengths of specialized programs such as the IB® curriculum used at an IB Elementary School.

Using these questions allows families to focus on the most important elements of school culture, academic expectations, and student experience—creating a strong foundation for confident decision-making.

Learn More, Ask Questions, and Take the Next Step

After touring several elementary schools, families often discover how much learning environments can differ. Each school offers a unique combination of curriculum, values, teaching style, and community engagement. Taking time to ask the right questions helps you identify a school where your child will be supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.

For families in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the greater Hampton Roads region who are seeking a globally minded, inquiry-based learning environment, Strelitz International Academy (SIA) is widely recognized as one of the top private schools in Hampton Roads. SIA provides a strong academic foundation through the IB® Primary Years Programme and offers clear admissions pathways for both Early Years and Primary Years students.

If you would like additional support, more information, or personalized guidance as you evaluate options, you are welcome to contact the only IB® Program Elementary School in Hampton Roads.