25-Apr-2025

Published By : SBMHSS

School Visit Checklist: What to Look for Before Admitting Your Child

For many families in Kolathur, Retteri, Madhavaram, Vinayagapuram, and surrounding areas, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions in a child’s early life. And while brochures and websites are helpful, nothing beats a school visit to truly understand the environment your child will grow up in.Whether you’re looking at a Matriculation, CBSE, or international curriculum, here’s a smart and practical checklist to guide you through your school tour — so you know what to observe, what to ask, and what to expect.

1. School Infrastructure & Safety

A walk through the school can tell you a lot.

Things to check:

• Are classrooms clean, well-lit, and ventilated?
• Are toilets hygienic and child-accessible?
• Are there secure boundaries, working CCTV cameras, and security staff?
• Is the playground safe and well-supervised?

Tip: Look at how children are moving around — are they confident, happy, and safe?

2. Teaching Environment

This is where you really start evaluating if a school suits your child’s learning style.Ask and observe:

Ask and observe:

• What’s the student-teacher ratio?
• Is there one-on-one attention for slower learners?
• Are the teachers engaging and friendly during interaction?
• What is the teaching medium? (English, Tamil, Bilingual?)

Also ask about:

• Whether they follow Matriculation, CBSE, or other boards
• Availability of second/third languages (Tamil, Hindi, French, etc.)

3. Distance & Transport Convenience

For working parents, school transport is more than just a perk — it's a necessity:

• Do they offer van/bus services to your area (Perambur, Retteri, Ambattur, etc.)?
• Are drivers and attendants trained?
• How long is the average commute?

Ask: What safety protocols are followed during pickup and drop-off?

4. Co-Curricular & Holistic Development

A well-rounded education goes beyond books.

• What sports, music, arts, or dance programs are offered?
• Do they have clubs like Robotics, Scouts, JRC, Eco Club, or debate teams?
• How often are students encouraged to perform or compete?

Schools that focus on creativity and personality building tend to nurture confidence and leadership early on.

5. Admission Process & Fee Structure

Transparency is a good indicator of a school’s culture:

• Full fee structure, including books, uniforms, activities, and transport
• Admission deadlines, eligibility age, and required documents
• Any refund policy if you change your decision later

6. Staff Interaction & Culture

The way a school responds to your visit says a lot about its value:

• Are staff open, polite, and willing to answer all questions?
• Do they explain policies clearly?
• Are they transparent about academic performance and teaching methods?

7. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Beware if you notice:

• Staff avoiding tough questions
• Dirty restrooms and poor hygiene
• Overcrowded classrooms or no play area
• Fee-related information being vague or withheld

Final Thoughts

Visiting a school isn’t just a formality — it’s your chance to make an informed decision based on firsthand experience. Take notes, ask questions, and don’t feel pressured to decide on the spot.

The right school will not just meet your expectations — it will make your child feel welcome, safe, and inspired.

Planning your school visits soon?

If you’re exploring quality, value-based schools around Kolathur, you’re welcome to visit Satheesh Balaji Matriculation Higher Secondary School. We believe in academic excellence, holistic development, and nurturing future-ready learners.

Admissions for the 2025–26 academic year are now open.

Book your campus tour or speak with our admissions team today.