Why Attend an Open House?

By Jeannine Cintron

If your child is in the process of applying for enrollment in a new school for the 2022-2023 academic year, attending as many open house events as possible at prospective schools is extremely important—even if they are being held virtually. Here’s why these open houses are essential.

This is your opportunity for you and your child to meet their potential future teachers and principal. The principal plays a major role in the school and, consequently, in the lives of the students. It is very important that you feel comfortable with this person being at the forefront of your child’s education.

Schools often take note of which students attend their open house events and that could be factor in their decision to offer your child a spot. Always be sure to neatly write your child’s name on the attendance sheet so the school knows they were there.

Ever hear of good vibes? That’s exactly what you should feel for a prospective school. The atmosphere, the staff, the location, the students—all of it should just feel right. If it doesn’t, trust your gut and cross that school off your list.

If the event is being held in person, it’s a good chance to do a practice run on the commute. You can see how far the school is from your home, how long it takes to get there, and what the surrounding neighborhood is like. At the open house you’ll also learn what transportation options are available for your child.

This is often one of the most important deciding factors when selecting a school. At the open house event, you’ll be given an in-depth look at the programs and courses offered at the school. You can ask questions, meet the teachers heading up each program, and learn about your child’s academic options.

Your child’s safety is crucial. At the open house, the school will address any questions or concerns you have about security measures, emergency procedures, possible crime statistics, health and safety precautions, and more. This is your chance to express any concerns you may have.

You’ll find out what time school starts and ends, when your child will eat lunch, what their day might look like, how the periods are structured, and other information about the school day.

Most schools offer after-school sports, academic clubs, and other programs your child might be interested in joining. A school that offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities might play a large role in your decision to apply.

One of the best ways to learn about a school is from current students. In fact, current students are often on-hand at open houses to help describe the programs in which they are involved and what student life is like at the school.

Some schools require tests or auditions, other schools screen applicants based on grades or other factors, and some select students entirely at random. At the open house, you’ll learn what is required to apply to the school and estimate your child’s odds of receiving an offer. You can also ask questions or voice your concerns about the process to ensure you have all the information you need to help your child apply for enrollment.