What questions should I ask to evaluate a school’s culture?

Skip the “what’s your average test score?” interrogation and go straight for the heart of the school. 

Ask things like:

• “How do you support students who are struggling emotionally or socially?”
• “What does your school community actually value on a daily basis?”
• “Can you describe how conflict is typically handled?”
• “How do students describe their experience here?”

These questions aren’t just polite small talk—they’re cultural x-rays. You’re trying to see if the school treats kids like whole people, not just walking GPAs. The goal is to find out if the culture prioritizes respect, belonging, and growth. If you leave the conversation feeling inspired (and not like you just sat through a corporate press release), you’re probably on the right track.