30 parent-teacher conference questions every parent should ask

Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity for parents to connect with their child's teacher, gain insight into their progress, and stay involved in their education. But with a short amount of time to talk, where do you even begin? 

Preparing a list of thoughtful, well-rounded questions can help you maximize this valuable time. Whether you’re curious about your child’s academic performance, social growth, or classroom behavior, start with these 30 key questions – broken into categories – to foster productive parent-teacher partnerships and ensure your child has the support they need to thrive. 

How to use this guide 

Before heading into your parent-teacher conference, consider your main concerns or questions. You probably won’t have time to ask all of them, so prioritize those most relevant to your child.

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Questions about academic performance 

1. What are my child’s strengths and areas for improvement academically? 

2. Is my child performing at grade level in core subjects like reading, math, and science? 

3. How does my child’s work compare to classroom expectations? 

4. Are there specific skills my child should focus on developing this year? 

5. What standardized tests or assessments will my child complete, and how can I help them prepare? 

6. Are there any additional resources the school offers if my child needs help with a subject? 

Questions about social skills and relationships 

1. How does my child interact with their peers? 

2. Are there any concerns about how they handle group work or social situations? 

3. Does my child have close friends or a peer group they connect with? 

4. Have you noticed any signs of bullying, either as a participant or target? 

5. How would you describe my child’s communication skills in the classroom?

Questions about classroom behavior 

1. Does my child participate actively in class discussions? 

2. Do they follow directions and stay on task during lessons? 

3. Have you observed any behavioral challenges in class? 

4. How do they handle frustration or challenges within the classroom setting? 

5. Do you use specific strategies when my child is struggling with behavior or focus?

Questions about overall development 

1. How would you describe my child’s emotional development? 

2. Are they meeting age-appropriate milestones for independence and problem-solving? 

3. What activities or habits could I encourage at home to support their growth? 

4. Does my child seem happy and comfortable at school overall? 

5. What strategies can help my child build stronger relationships with peers and teachers?

Questions about communication 

1. What’s the best way to stay updated on my child’s progress throughout the year? 

2. How do you prefer to communicate—emails, phone calls, or meetings? 

3. Will I receive regular updates on grades, assignments, or issues? 

4. How can I be more involved in my child’s education without overstepping? 

5. What strategies can I use to improve communication with my child about their learning progress?

Questions to support the teacher 

1. Is there anything I can do at home to make your job easier? 

2. Do you need any classroom support, either as a volunteer or with supplies? 

3. How can I better support my child’s learning at home? 

4. Are there specific skills or topics my child should focus on improving?

After the conference 

Once your meeting is over, take a moment to review what you’ve learned with your child. This helps them see that you’re supporting their success alongside their teacher. Take action where necessary—following up with additional support, encouraging specific habits at home, or continuing to check in with the teacher throughout the year. 

Also, it's thoughtful to send a thank-you note to your child's teacher for their work and for taking the time to meet with you.

While parent-teacher conferences are just one part of staying involved in your child’s education, you can make each meeting truly impactful with these questions. 

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.