Parent Interview Questions and Answers For School Admission (Ultimate Guide)

Over the last few years I've helped a number of parents prepare for their kids private school interview.

Scroll down for the practice list :)

If you'd like to work with me then setup a 5 minute call, I'll introduce myself, and then we do a practice run where I give you feedback. It usually takes about an hour and it only costs $3,000.... Just kidding!!!!

Hahaha, most coaches charge $125/hour but I'll give you a better deal than that, and if you want me to work with your child then we'll factor that in a well. Book a call here.

The About Section:

1. Tell me about (kids name): this should be pretty easy for parents to answer.
2. Think about what your child likes to do, what makes them unique, and what's something they've done, or a character trait that you are proud of.
3. This is and isn't a time to brag about all the amazing things your child does. Let's say for example, you're an asian parent who's child is a high level achiever at everything... I suggest just picking one or two things. In the western culture we're not accustomed to our kids having a full school schedule outside of school. The "truth" could sound like your kid hates their, "My kid plays level 10 piano, competes in math competitions, excels at fencing, soccer, robotics, knows 4 languages, has won dance competitions, is an actor, singer, draws portraits, is a debater, and does public speaking competitions." That's not even a joke, most of my clients are asian and this is a fact. Just pick 3 things that your child like and talk about them. You want it to sound like your kid has a well rounded childhood.
4. Example: Well, I'm proud of Olivia because she is very (empathetic/kind/funny/positive) and always wants to help others. For example... (add example). We encourage Olivia to try new things and about 5 years ago she took up (insert sport/music/languages) and she has gone on to... (story about accomplishment you're proud of). Olivia also likes... (list a couple of hobbies). One thing most people don't know about Olivia... (special thing). Her teachers/friends/grandparents always tell us how... (something about what other people say about her).
5. Tell me about your background:
6. Where were you educated? What business are you in? I'd even talk a little bit about where you grew up and what that was like.
7. Example; I grew up in a small town called (______) about an hours drive from (landmark), and I had a good childhood, but it was always my dream to move to the city. I graduated from (_____), and although I started my career working for (_____), in 2002 I decided to take the plunge and start my own business. Now I run XYZ company and although I work alot and have many employees, I make sure to set aside time everyday to cook dinner, and be a part of (kids name) life.
8. Keep answers 1-2.5 minutes as a rule of thumb.
9. How does your family spend the spare time? What does your family like to do in the spare time? What are some activities you do together as a family?
10. These questions are the same answers just phrased differently. If you eat dinner together, watch movies, play board games, go biking, to the beach, skiing, or if you take your kids travelling this is the time to talk about it.
11. I know parents who are so busy they really don't spend a lot of time with their kids. They have nannies or what not. They ask me, "Is it okay to lie?"
12. Sure, but at least be somewhat truthful.
13. Example: honestly, we have help because we are very busy running our company. BUT, we make sure to travel to (have family dinners, visit the grandparents, something you actually do, and then make it seem like you do it often) at least three destinations a year. We love to be a part of experiences with our family; for example, we travelled to...
14. Has your child ever had any conflicts with students before?
15. If your kid has had major conflicts should you be truthful? Well, did you get them help? Because if you're just lying to get them in the school and your kid has major conflicts they'll just get expelled anyway.
16. If your kid is getting help you could be honest without being "Honest."
17. Example: little Johnny has had conflict in the past where he pushed other students. We thought he was going through a phase BUT, just to be safe, we've paid for counselling to help him work through any issues and he hasn't had any instances recently. We don't want to blame the lack of disciplinary measures do to large class sizes at his current school, and that's one of the reasons we want to send him to a private school with hands on teachers. Your teachers are hands on with students, right?
18. By ending with a question you force the interviewer to defend their teachers and forget about the real trouble.
19. How does your kid with challenges?
20. choose a challenge they were able to overcome and give an example.

These private school questions should be easy for any parent to answer

1. What is a school project that your kid did that you are proud of? 
2. What are his personality/manners like at home?
3. Does your child have any chores or responsibilities at home?
4. Three words to describe your child? 
5. What classes does your child like?
6. What classes does your child not like?
7. Strengths and weaknesses? 
8. Where do you see your child in the future?

Education Philosophy & Parenting Style 家庭教育理念以及家长教育方式 (General 问题+

全面回答)

1. What is your education philosophy about your child? Share with us your educational Philosophy.
2. This is different for every parent, do you like to give them experiences through travel or exercise? Do you believe that having coaches is important?
3. What are your expectations of our teachers?
4. We are inclusive and diverse community, what’s your opinion about different cultures, different values…
5. Again, these are personal preferences; obviously, you're going to say that you like cultural diversity of they phrase the question like that.
6. In what ways will you be involved with the school?
7. there are two part to this question, how will you contribute time and money? Both time and donations is the best answer. You want to support your child and their future development.
8. What do you expect of our school? 
9. Be clear. I expect high level education, kind teachers, or strict teachers who understand students needs.
10. How would you educate your children?
11. What are the important things in your education toward your children?

Why Our School, and The Students Current School?

1. How did you hear about our school?
2. Why did you choose our school?
3. Tell me about your child's school experience so far.
4. Do they enjoy their current school?
5. Anything about (current school) that doesn’t work for your child?
6. What kind of environment does your student do well in?
7. What makes a good teacher?

I suggest just being honest with these answers.

The Practice List in Full

1. What is your background?
2. Working and educational background? 
3. How does your family spend their spare time?
4. What does your family like to do on their spare time?
5. What are some activities you do together as a family?
6. What is a school project that your kid did that you are proud of? 
7. What are his personality/manners like at home?
8. Does your child do any chores or responsibilities at home?
9. Three words to describe your child? 
10. What classes does your child like?
11. What classes does your child not like?
12. Strengths and weaknesses? 
13. Where do you see your child in the future?
14. What is your education philosophy about your child? Share with us your educational Philosophy.
15. Expectations of our teachers?
16. We are an inclusive and diverse community, what’s your opinion about different cultures, different values…
17. In What ways will you be involved with the school?
18. What do you expect of our school? 
19. What is your education toward your children?
20. How would you educate your children?
21. What are the important things in your education toward your children?
22. How did you hear about our school?
23. Why did you choose our school?
24. Tell me about your child's school experience so far.
25. Do they enjoy their current school?
26. Anything about (current school) that doesn’t work for your child?
27. What kind of environment does your student do well in?
28. What makes a good teacher?

One More Thing.

Be sure to have prepared a couple questions for the school. If you're strugging to come up with any questions then here is a generic list that you can adapt for your situation.

1. What is the student-teacher ratio in the classrooms?
2. What is the school's philosophy on education?
3. What extracurricular activities are available for students?
4. How does the school handle discipline and behavior management?
5. How does the school support students with special needs?
6. How is academic progress tracked and reported to parents?
7. What is the school's policy on homework and independent study?
8. How does the school prepare students for college or future careers?
9. Are there any unique or specialized programs offered by the school?
10. What is the school's policy on parent involvement and communication?

In summary:

If you want to work with me, or have me work with your child then set a time with me for a 5-minute call.