Touring High Schools? Here’s What Colleges Wish You’d Ask

Touring high schools is one of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) steps in your child’s educational journey. For many Bay Area families, especially on the Peninsula and in Silicon Valley, the stakes feel high. But here’s the good news: school tours aren’t just about academic rankings or shiny new facilities. They’re about finding the best fit for your teen—and asking questions that help set them up for long-term success.

When it comes to preparing students for college, not all high schools are created equal. That’s why college admissions professionals often suggest a deeper look—not just at test scores or course offerings, but at the culture, support systems, and skill-building opportunities embedded in the school’s DNA.

Here are the questions colleges wish parents and students would ask when visiting high schools on the Peninsula, and how to make the most of every open house you attend.

1. How Does the School Prepare Students for College-Level Thinking?

It’s easy to focus on AP or honors courses—but what about the teaching methods themselves? Ask how critical thinking, research, writing, and discussion skills are built over time. Is the curriculum designed to challenge students to analyze, synthesize, and communicate like future college students?

2. What’s the School’s Approach to Student Wellness?

Colleges care about resilience, balance, and emotional maturity—so they pay attention to how students were supported in high school. Ask about the school’s mental health resources, counseling programs, and strategies for managing workload and stress. Is there a school culture that encourages balance, or one that glamorizes burnout?

3. How Are Students Supported Through the College Application Process?

Don’t just ask when college counseling starts—ask how personalized it is. How many counselors are available per student? What kind of one-on-one guidance is offered? Do students get help with essays, interviews, and financial aid forms?

4. Are There Opportunities for Independent Projects or Research?

Colleges love applicants who dive deep into a personal interest. Ask whether students have opportunities to design their own research, launch initiatives, or take capstone-style classes. Look for schools with senior projects, internships, or mentorship programs that promote passion-based learning.

5. What Are Students Like Outside the Classroom?

Academics are key, but extracurriculars reveal a lot about school culture. Are there vibrant clubs, sports, arts, or service-learning opportunities? Do students seem genuinely engaged, or stretched too thin? Ask current students what they do after school and on weekends.

6. How Does the School Encourage Student Voice?

High schoolers who are empowered to lead, advocate, and speak up are often more confident and prepared in college. Ask if there’s a student government, newspaper, peer mentoring, or DEI council. Do students help shape the school community in meaningful ways?

7. What Kinds of Colleges Do Graduates Attend?

Rather than asking for the “college list,” ask what kinds of schools students are drawn to—and why. Do students feel confident applying to a wide range of schools? Is there pressure to apply only to Ivies or big-name universities, or is there support for different paths (including community college or gap years)?

8. How Are Parents Included in the High School Journey?

College admissions teams recognize that high school is a family journey. Ask how schools communicate with parents, whether there are college nights or parent workshops, and how they encourage healthy partnerships—not helicoptering.

9. What Do You Do Better Than Any Other School?

This is the wildcard question—and it often yields the most honest, inspiring responses. Whether it’s an outdoor education program, debate team, robotics lab, or senior internship model, listen for something distinctive that resonates with your family’s values and your student’s goals.

🎓 Pro Tip: Let Your Teen Do the Talking

Encourage your student to ask their own questions and reflect after each tour. Let them compare cultures, not just rankings. A student who feels ownership in the decision is more likely to thrive in high school—and beyond.

📍 Touring Schools on the Peninsula?

If you’re beginning your high school search in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Los Altos, or surrounding areas, don’t miss our curated list of upcoming events.

Check the latest listings for high school open houses in your area here: Peninsula & Silicon Valley School Open House Calendar.

A great high school tour is about more than just what you see—it’s about what you ask and how the school responds. Use this moment not just to choose a school, but to understand how your teen will grow over the next four years. Start with the right questions, and the answers will tell you everything you need to know.