Conduct a variety of interviews to develop a sense of the school's environment. Talk to principals and teachers about their general educational philosophies and teaching strategies. Ask questions such as, "How do you promote a positive environment for your learners?" and "What methods do your teachers employ to build a supportive classroom environment where each student feels valued and accepted?" Take notes during these interviews, and use them as one part of identifying if the school is a positive learning environment for your child.
Examine the school's behavior policies. Looking at these provides you with a general idea of the type of environment your child's school strives to achieve. Rules should be fair and promote positive interactions among its students. A list of consequences should be clear, and these consequences should teach the children the correct method of behaving, rather than simply punishing the child.
Observe children in your child's class. Note interactions among class members, and notice how often students engage in group work. Record the number of times they ask the teacher for help on an assignment. These can both be signs that a student feels comfortable in his surroundings and that the classroom is a positive environment for him. Observe lunch and recess, in addition to academic time, since students may feel more at ease during these less-structured periods.
Examine the materials and arrangement of your child's classroom. Classroom community is promoted through a variety of materials that encourage group work and communication among its members. Look around and note if you see large play areas that promote interaction and cooperative efforts among the students. The arrangement of the classroom may encourage or discourage a strong positive environment based on the way the desks are arranged. Desks set up in a group fashion encourage group work and cooperative learning, therefore, create a strong positive learning environment.