A school visit usually lasts about an hour, and it is easy to leave
with a nice feeling and few facts. Staff show you the best rooms, the
playground looks cheerful, and a friendly coordinator answers most of
your worries before you can voice them. Then, a week later, you realise
you never asked about the things that matter.
This guide gives you 30 questions to ask during a school
visit, organised by theme, so you leave with real information.
Use it for any CBSE school in Gunjur, Varthur, Sarjapur or elsewhere in
Bengaluru East. We include what M S Dhoni Global School (MSDGS)
publishes, so you can see what a clear answer looks like. If you have
not yet shortlisted schools, start with our parent’s
checklist for choosing a CBSE school.
Before You Go
- Book an appointment. Visiting during school hours
lets you see classrooms in action. - Bring a notebook. Write answers down, with the name
of the person who gave them. - Take your child if appropriate. For younger
children, observe how they respond to the environment. - Visit with a partner. Two sets of impressions are
better than one.
Section 1:
Teaching and Learning (Questions 1-8)
- How would you describe your teaching approach? Look
for specifics such as projects, activities, discussion and hands-on
work. MSDGS describes a learner-oriented, experiential model. - How is the CBSE syllabus delivered at my child’s
grade? Ask how much is activity-based. - How do you assess children? Continuous assessment
that combines academics and co-curriculars gives a fuller picture than
exams alone. - What is the teacher-student ratio in this class?
MSDGS aims for about one teacher per 20 students. Read why the ratio
matters. - How are teachers trained and supported? MSDGS
teachers train through Microsoft’s educator pathway. - How do you support a child who struggles? Look for
early identification and clear steps. - How do you challenge a child who is ahead? Good
schools plan for both ends. - What is your policy on homework and external
tuition? MSDGS does not advise external tuition because of its
methodology. Our post do CBSE
students need tuition? explores this.
Section 2:
Safety, Health and Hygiene (Questions 9-15)
- Who can enter the campus, and how is entry
controlled? - Is the campus under CCTV, and who monitors it?
MSDGS has campus-wide CCTV and floor supervisors. - How does pick-up and drop-off work? Ask who is
authorised and what happens if someone else arrives. - Where does a sick child go, and who looks after
them? MSDGS has two infirmary rooms and a resident nurse
through the school day. - How often are washrooms cleaned? MSDGS reports
regular cleaning through the day, with daily sanitisation and monthly
deep cleaning. - How do you handle allergies, medication and
emergencies? - What is your policy on bullying? Ask for an example
of how a recent case was handled.
For deeper checklists, see school
safety and security: what parents should ask and the school health and hygiene
checklist.
Section 3:
Facilities and Activities (Questions 16-21)
- Which labs does my child use, and how often? MSDGS
lists science, maths, computer and robotics labs. - How much time do students spend outdoors each
day? - Who coaches sports, and what is their background?
The MS Dhoni Sports Academy states associations with the NBA, La Liga
and the Chennai Super Kings Academy. - What arts, music and dance options exist? See why art, music and dance
matter. - What clubs and co-curricular programmes can my child
join? - How often are field trips and events held? Learn
about the value in benefits
of school field trips.
Section 4: Technology
(Questions 22-24)
- How is technology used in daily lessons? MSDGS is a
Microsoft Showcase School partner. - How do you manage screen time for young children?
See screen time and
tech in primary school. - How do you teach safe and responsible internet
use?
Section 5:
Transport and Commute (Questions 25-26)
- Which route would my child take, and how long is the longest
ride? - How are buses tracked and supervised? MSDGS runs 14
buses and one van with GPS tracking, two-way communication, a female
attendant and seat belts. Use our school bus safety
checklist.
Section
6: Fees, Admissions and Communication (Questions 27-30)
- Can I have an itemised fee structure in writing?
See what to
compare in school fees. - What is the admission process and timeline? At
MSDGS, parents submit the form at the school office between 9 am and 3
pm on working days, and the school evaluates through interaction. Read
the admission
process guide. - How do parents and teachers stay in touch? MSDGS
holds an annual orientation for new parents and allows teacher
consultations with a day’s notice. - How can parents contribute? MSDGS invites parents
to assist with workshops, field trips and classroom activities.
What to Observe While You
Walk Around
Questions are only half the visit. The other half is observation.
In the classroom
- Are children engaged or restless?
- How do teachers speak to children? Warmly, firmly,
dismissively? - Is student work displayed on walls?
In the corridors and
playground
- Are children supervised at transitions?
- Do older and younger children mix respectfully?
- Is there shade and space to play?
In the washrooms and
infirmary
- Are they clean and well stocked?
- Do they look used and maintained, not just prepared for
visitors?
In the staff room and office
- How do staff respond to your questions?
- Do they seem calm, organised and friendly?
Questions to Ask
Your Child’s Future Teacher
If you get a few minutes with a teacher, these questions reveal a
great deal.
- What do you enjoy most about teaching this age group?
- What does a typical lesson look like?
- How do you know when a child is struggling?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What is one thing parents can do at home to support learning?
Notice not only the content of the answers but the tone. A teacher
who talks about children with warmth and specifics, rather than slogans,
is a good sign.
Questions to
Ask the Principal or Admissions Head
Leadership sets the tone for the whole school. Consider asking:
- What is the school’s vision for the next five years?
- How do you handle complaints or concerns from parents?
- How stable is the teaching staff? How long do teachers typically
stay? - What do you see as the school’s strengths, and where are you still
improving?
A leader who can speak honestly about improvement areas is often more
trustworthy than one who claims everything is perfect.
After the Visit: A
Five-Minute Debrief
Within an hour of leaving, sit down with your partner and write:
- Three things you liked
- Three things you are unsure about
- One question you forgot to ask
- A gut rating from 1 to 10
Then call the school to ask your missing question. The speed and tone
of the reply will tell you something about communication.
Using the Answers
Put your notes into a comparison sheet. Our scorecard
for comparing CBSE schools in Bengaluru East helps you turn
impressions into a clear decision.
Red Flags and Green Flags
at a Glance
| Green flags | Red flags |
|---|---|
| Staff answer questions directly and give numbers | Vague answers or repeated “we will get back to you” |
| Children appear relaxed and engaged | Children seem anxious or silent in class |
| Clean washrooms and infirmary | Neglected corners shown only after you ask |
| Fees explained in writing | Pressure to pay quickly or in cash |
| Teachers are happy to talk about their work | No access to teachers at all |
| Safety rules are visible and consistent | Casual entry with no visitor checks |
A single red flag is not a verdict, but a pattern should make you
pause. Likewise, a single green flag is encouraging, but you want to see
several together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a school
visit take?
Plan at least an hour, and more if you want to see sports, labs and
transport.
Can I meet a teacher
during the visit?
Many schools allow a brief meeting. At MSDGS, teachers are available
for consultation with a day’s prior notice.
Should I bring my child?
For nursery and primary, it helps to see how your child reacts. Keep
the visit short and relaxed.
How do I book a visit to
MSDGS?
Call +91-7599507777 or +91-7599607777, or use the admission enquiry form.
Plan Your Visit
M S Dhoni Global School welcomes parents to see the campus and ask
questions. Reach out through the enquiry
page and bring this list along.
