Open House: A Guide For Parents
It’s that time of the year when school enrollment begins, and you may be checking out new schools for next year. The options can feel overwhelming. Attending an open house is a great way to get an inside look to the schools on your list. Whether you are looking at preschool, elementary, middle, or upper grades for your child, here are some things to look for during an open house.
Things to Look for at an Open House
School administrators will be sharing their selling points up front, but you can learn just as much from what is unspoken at an open house. Here are some things to observe as you tour the school.
- Classroom Setup: Are the classrooms organized and stimulating? Do they encourage learning and engagement? How many desks are there? What sense do you get about the classroom as you walk in? Does the classroom foster an atmosphere of learning and creativity?
- Student Work: Take note of the students’ work displayed on the walls. It can provide insights into the curriculum and activities. Does it appear to be holistic and project based? Is there room for creativity and self-expression?
- Resources and Safety: Assess the availability of educational resources such as books, technology, and learning materials. Observe the facilities, outdoor area, and picture your child in this space. Do the resources available instill confidence, community, and academic mastery? Are there measures in place to protect your child physically and technologically?
- School Culture: Pay attention to the interactions between staff, administration, and students. Is there a positive and respectful atmosphere? What is the current parent culture like? Are there current parents present to ask questions of, and if so, what is their demeanor? Are they welcoming? This is a huge indicator of culture.
Questions to Ask at an Open House
Here are some areas to listen for and ask about if you do not hear them come up during the tour or presentations directly.
- Curriculum and Philosophy: Inquire about the curriculum and teaching philosophy. Find out if there is a balance between structured learning and social emotional learning to support your child’s social and emotional journey as well as academics. How is positive behavior promoted in the classroom? Is there personalized learning or small group based learning? What if a student lags behind or needs more of a challenge?
- Parent Involvement: Ask about opportunities for parental involvement, such as parent-teacher conferences, volunteering, or school events. Ask about extracurricular activities and options to build community both for you and your child. If needed, ask about after-care options for your child.
- Staff Qualifications and Ratios: Ask about the teacher-to-child ratio. Ask about teacher retention, qualifications, and accreditations of the school and staff. What are the safety protocols set in place for the students?
- Schedule: Learn about the daily and weekly routine, special classes, and options for your child to grow and learn. Ask about how the school measures progress with testing and assessments throughout the year.
You might consider writing your questions down ahead of time so you don’t forget to ask about topics that are important to you and your child. Remember, every child is unique and that applies to how you approach an open house. What your child might need you to ask about might not be on this list. You are their advocate, you are trying to understand them and where they might thrive best during these upcoming years.
Remember to ask about any specific concerns or interests you may have regarding your child’s education. As with most things when it comes to parenting, you might just know it in your gut if a place is right for your child. We hope this guide helps reassure you of that. Here’s to finding that special school that cares about shaping your child’s mind and heart.
At Concordia Seattle, we care about seeing and understanding your child, giving them an educational experience that instills confidence, community and academic mastery for a lifetime. Learn more about our upcoming open house here! We have carefully crafted a learning experience that meets all of the lists above and feel confident you and your child will find a place to belong at Concordia Seattle.