Top 10 Questions Parents Should Ask on a School Tour

Visiting international schools in person is one of the most important steps in choosing the right environment for your child. This guide gives parents the 10 smartest questions to ask during a school tour - covering academics, wellbeing, diversity, and transitions—so you can walk away with real clarity and confidence.

When you step onto a school campus, you're not just inspecting buildings and facilities—you’re trying to picture your child’s everyday life. Will they thrive here? Will they be understood, supported, and challenged in the right ways?

For expat families relocating to places like Singapore or Malaysia, the stakes feel even higher. It’s a whole new education system, a new culture, and often, a new language. You’re looking not just for a school, but for stability, belonging, and the right fit.

That’s where smart school tour questions come in. These aren’t your typical “How big is the canteen?” kind of queries. These are the deeper, strategic questions that give you real insight into how the school operates—and how your child might fit in.

👉 “Feeling overwhelmed by all the school options? Doris helps simplify your search with unbiased, personalized suggestions. 

Here are the 10 essential questions to ask during your next school tour.

1. How does your curriculum support transitions between countries or systems?

Whether you're coming from the UK, US, India, or elsewhere, understanding how a school handles transitions - into and out of different curricula - is key. Ask:

• Does the school follow a curriculum recognized internationally (e.g. IB, British, American)?

• How do they support students who join mid-year or mid-system?

• Do they offer placement assessments or bridging programs?

🎯 Why it matters: Frequent movers need schools that can slot students in without academic gaps or unnecessary repetition

2. How is student wellbeing and mental health supported day to day?

More parents are prioritizing wellbeing over pure academic prestige. Ask:

• What does your pastoral care system look like?

• Are there full-time counselors on campus?

• How do teachers monitor student stress or burnout?

🎯 Why it matters: High academic pressure without emotional support is a common parent concern, especially in competitive environments

Doris highlights schools with strong onboarding and emotional support systems, so your child doesn’t just attend school - they feel like they belong.

3. How does the school promote a sense of community for new families?

Relocating is tough—especially on kids. Ask:

• Is there a buddy program for new students?

• Are parents encouraged to get involved in the community?

• How does the school support families during the settling-in period?

🎯 Why it matters: A strong onboarding system can make or break the first year for an expat child

4. What languages are taught, and how is language support structured?

In many international schools, second (or even third) languages are expected. Ask:

• Is second-language learning compulsory?

• How do you support students with limited language skills?

• Are there beginner or native-level streams?

🎯 Why it matters: Parents worry about children being overwhelmed—or under-challenged—if language placement isn’t handled wellB2C Pain Points - Brain….

5. What’s your approach to academic pressure and student workload?

You want to know whether your child will be stretched or stressed. Ask:

• What’s the typical homework load per week?

• Are there opportunities for academic acceleration or extra help?

• How does the school foster balance between academics and life?

🎯 Why it matters: Some schools pride themselves on rigor—others emphasize holistic learning. Make sure it aligns with your prioritiesB2C Pain Points - Brain….

6. Can I speak with a current parent or student?

A good school should welcome this. Ask:

• Do you have a parent ambassador group?

• Could we chat with a student in my child’s year level?

• Is there a chance to visit during a normal school day?

🎯 Why it matters: Real voices cut through the brochure-speak and give you authentic insight into day-to-day life.

7. How diverse is your student body—and how do you celebrate that diversity?

Expat families often value global-mindedness. Ask:

• What nationalities are represented at the school?

• Are local and expat students integrated socially and academically?

• How do you celebrate different cultures?

🎯 Why it matters: Integration and social ease are top concerns for relocating families.

8. What extracurricular activities are most popular, and how inclusive are they?

Beyond academics, you’re looking for passion and purpose. Ask:

• Are activities open to all students, or selective?

• How often do they meet, and is there a cost?

• How do you encourage participation for shy or new students?

🎯 Why it matters: Sports, music, and clubs help children connect and thrive socially, especially in new environments.

9. What does the admissions process involve—and how full are your year groups?

This is where logistics come into play. Ask:

• Is there a waitlist for certain year levels?

• What assessments are required?

• How long is the typical timeline from inquiry to offer?

🎯 Why it matters: Some schools in Singapore and Malaysia are oversubscribed, especially in high-demand areas. Plan ahead.

10. What makes your school unique—and how do you help families decide if it’s the right fit?

Turn the spotlight on them. Ask:

• Why do families choose you over other schools?

• How do you guide parents who are still comparing options?

• What would your Head of School say is the heart of this community?

🎯 Why it matters: The right school for your child might not be the biggest or most famous—but the one that truly sees and supports them.

Bring your checklist - but let Doris do the heavy lifting. From curriculum to values to budget, we help you compare what really matters.

Bonus Tip: Bring a Checklist - but Stay Open

It’s tempting to turn a school tour into a box-ticking exercise. But some of the best insights come from how you feel when walking the halls, watching a class, or hearing students chat at lunch.

That said, a tool like Doris can help you stay organized and reduce stress throughout the process. Doris gives you a clear, side-by-side comparison of schools in Singapore or Malaysia—curriculum, fees, languages, values, and more—plus suggestions tailored to your child’s needsB2C Key Messaging.

Whether you're just starting out or deep in the decision-making phase, Doris simplifies the journey so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s happiness and growth.

Not sure what to ask on your next school tour? Doris helps you know what to look for—and which schools are worth the visit. Find your school shortlist.