Beyond the Brochure

A school open house can tell you much more than a brochure ever can. While school websites and materials can give you useful information about classes, activities and programs, visiting in person lets you see what the school is really like.  

As you walk around, take a look at the classrooms and notice how teachers and students interact. Pay attention to whether the school feels welcoming and supportive. These simple things can help you decide if the school is a good fit for your child.  

Look at the Classrooms 

Start by looking around the classrooms. Are they clean, organized and welcoming? Do you see student work on the walls? Projects, writing, artwork, experiments and other student work can give you a sense of how involved students are in their learning.  

Also look at how the classroom is set up. Are the students expected to sit and listen most of the time, or are there spaces for group work, discussions, independent work and hands-on activities? The classroom setup can tell you a lot about how students learn. 

Watch How Teachers and Students Interact 

If classes are happening during the open house, take a moment to watch the teachers and students. Do teachers listen to students? Do students feel comfortable asking questions or asking for help? Do teachers encourage students to share their ideas? 

The classroom doesn’t need to be perfectly quiet or orderly. A classroom where students are talking, asking questions and taking part in the lesson can be a good sign.  

Also notice whether teachers seem to know their students well. Do they use students’ names? Do they encourage curiosity? Do they help students without simply giving them the answers? These interactions can give you a better idea of how the school supports both learning and relationships. 

Get a Feel for the School Culture 

You can learn a lot about a school simply by watching what happens around you. Pay attention to students in the hallways and common areas. Do they seem comfortable and happy to be there? Do they greet their teachers? Do teachers acknowledge students as they walk by? 

Listen to how adults talk about students, too. Is the focus mostly on grades and test scores, or does the school also care about things like creativity, character, friendships and personal growth? 

Every school has a different atmosphere. What matters is whether that environment feels like a good match for your child. 

Ask Teachers Questions 

An open house is a great time to talk with teachers. Ask questions that help you understand how they work with students. 

You might ask: 

• How do you help students who are struggling? 
• How do you challenge students who need more? 
• How do you communicate with parents? 
• How do you help new students feel welcome? 
• What does a typical day look like? 
• How do students get feedback on their work?

Listen to the answers, but also pay attention to how teachers respond. Do they seem friendly and enthusiastic? Do they talk about students as individuals? 

Talk to the Students 

Students can give you a different perspective on the school. If you have a chance to talk with them, ask what they like about the school and what they might change. 

You could ask: 

• What do you like most about the school? 
• What do students usually do at lunch? 
• Can you easily get help from teachers? 
• What happens when a student is having a hard time? 
• What do you wish you knew before you started here? 

Students can give you more honest or unexpected answers than you’ll hear during a formal presentation. 

Pay Attention to What You Don’t Hear 

Open houses are designed to show a school at its best. That’s helpful, but you’ll also want to look beyond the highlights. 

Think about the questions you still have. If you ask about homework, discipline, class sizes, student support, or communication with families, do you get clear answers? 

You may also want to ask about things that don’t come up during the tour. How does the school handle conflicts? What happens when a student is struggling? How does the school support students who need extra help? If you don’t get an answer right away, don’t assume it’s a problem. Just make a note of the question and follow up later.  

Think About Your Child 

Ultimately, you’re not looking for a school that looks perfect on paper. You’re looking for a place where your child can feel supported, challenged and excited to learn. Remember that an open house isn’t about making an instant decision. It’s an opportunity to gather information and help you understand what it feels like to be part of that community.