English for parent-teacher conferences: useful phrases and questions

Parent-teacher conferences are short meetings, often 15 to 20 minutes, where you and your child's teacher talk about how your child is doing. For many parents who are still learning English, they can feel stressful. A little preparation makes a big difference.

Ask for an interpreter if you'd like one. US public schools are generally required to communicate meaningfully with parents who are still learning English, usually through an interpreter or translated notices, and many California schools have interpreters available. When you book your conference, ask the school office: "Could I please have an interpreter in [your language] for my conference?"

Before the meeting

• Ask your child how school is going, what they like, and what's hard.
• Write down 3 or 4 questions in English (use the ones below).
• Bring a notebook. It's normal to take notes.

Starting the conversation

• "Hi, I'm [name], [child's name]'s mother / father. Thank you for meeting with me."
• "My English is still improving, so please speak a little slowly."
• "Sorry, could you say that again, please?"
• "Could you write that down for me?"

Questions about progress

• "How is [child] doing in class?"
• "What are [his / her / their] strengths?"
• "Is there anything [he / she / they] is finding difficult?"
• "Is [child] at grade level in reading and math?"
• "How is [child]'s English coming along?"
• "Does [child] participate in class and get along with classmates?"

Questions about helping at home

• "What can we do at home to help?"
• "How much time should homework take each night?"
• "Are there books or websites you recommend?"
• "Is there extra help available at school, like tutoring or an English learner program?"

Useful words you might hear

Ending the meeting

• "So, to make sure I understand: [repeat the main points]. Is that right?"
• "What's the best way to contact you, email or the school app?"
• "Thank you so much for everything you do for [child]."

Practice before the big day

Role-playing the conversation once or twice makes it much easier. Juliet helps parents prepare for school meetings, doctor's appointments and other everyday situations in private English lessons, and helps kids who are struggling at school with lessons for kids and teens.