Parent Guide
Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
Tour day is short. The questions you ask in those 30 minutes will tell you more than any website. Here's what to ask — by topic.
About the staff
- How long has the lead teacher in my child's room worked here?
- What's the typical teacher turnover at this school?
- What training do teachers receive — CPR, First Aid, ongoing professional development?
- How are teachers supported when they have a hard day?
- Is anyone in the building bilingual?
About the day
- What does a typical day look like in my child's age group?
- How much time is structured vs. free choice?
- Is outdoor play daily?
- How do you handle nap time?
- How long do meals take, and how do you handle picky eaters?
About safety
- How is the building secured during the day?
- Who can pick up my child? How do you verify identity?
- What's the procedure for a fire drill or weather emergency?
- Are background checks required for all staff?
- What's the policy if my child gets sick during the day?
About money and logistics
- What's the full tuition cost — and what's extra (supplies, field trips, late fees)?
- When are payments due?
- What's the refund policy if we move or change schools?
- Do you accept Georgia's CAPS subsidy?
- What happens on Cobb County school holidays?
- What's the late-pickup fee structure?
About parent communication
- How will I know how my child's day went?
- How do I reach the teacher with a question during the day?
- How often are parent-teacher conferences?
- How does the school communicate sudden closures or policy changes?
The most important question
After all the practical questions are answered, ask one more:
"Can I have the contact information for two current parents I can speak with?"
A confident school will say yes. The conversation you have with another parent will tell you more than any of the answers above.
Visit Marietta Academy
Ready to See It For Yourself?
Reading helps. Visiting helps more. Free 30-minute tours Monday – Friday at 444 Pat Mell Rd SW, Marietta GA 30060.