Open house season is one of the most exciting parts of the admissions process, and one of the most overwhelming. Between juggling multiple school visits, managing logistics, and trying to make a strong impression, it’s easy to walk out of a tour feeling like you saw a lot without actually learning much.
The families who prepare get the most out of their school visits. Here’s how to do it well.
Before You Go
Do your homework on the school first. Spend some time on the school’s website before your visit: read their mission statement, look at their curriculum, and get a sense of what makes them distinct. You’ll be able to listen more actively during the tour if you’re not starting from scratch, and you’ll ask better questions.
Make a list of your family’s priorities. Before open house season kicks off, sit down and get clear on what matters most to your family: school size, teaching philosophy, community culture, extracurriculars, location, academic rigor. Having this list in hand before you start visiting makes it much easier to compare schools objectively after the fact.
Prepare your questions in advance. The best questions are specific to the school and to your child. Generic questions (“What’s the student-teacher ratio?”) can usually be answered with a quick Google search, but the questions that yield the most useful answers are the ones that connect directly to your child’s needs. If your child is a hands-on learner, ask: “Can you share an example of a project or lesson that really reflects how students learn by doing at your school?” If your child has a strong interest in STEM, ask: “What opportunities are available for students who want to pursue STEM beyond what’s taught in the classroom?”
Know that you’re being evaluated too. At many NYC private schools, open houses and tours are part of the admissions process. The impressions you make on admissions staff (how you engage, the questions you ask, the warmth and genuine interest you show) can matter. Remain present. Be yourself, but be your best self.
During the Visit
Pay attention to the details. The formal presentation will cover the school’s highlights, but the most valuable insights often come from everything happening around it. Notice how students interact with one another and with adults. Do the hallways feel calm or chaotic? Listen to how teachers talk about their classes and students.
Take a close look at what’s displayed on the walls, too. Beyond student work, pay attention to club posters, community announcements, and displays about the school’s values and culture. They often reveal what the school genuinely celebrates and prioritizes, not just what it says in its mission statement.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. A school’s culture is hard to quantify, but you’ll often get a gut feeling about whether it feels like a place where your child will thrive. If something doesn’t feel like the right fit for your family, it’s worth paying attention to.
Watch your child. If you’re able to bring your child to the visit, observe how they respond to the environment. Do they seem comfortable or anxious? Curious or withdrawn? Kids often pick up on things adults miss, and their gut reaction to a school is real data.
Ask the parents on the tour. Some of the most candid information can come from current parents. If there are families on the tour whose kids already attend the school, introduce yourself. Ask what they wish they’d known before applying, what they love, and what surprised them.
Take notes. After visiting several schools in a short period of time, they start to blur together. Jot down impressions, specific details, and any questions that came up during the visit while they’re still fresh.
After the Visit
Debrief while it’s fresh. Carve out 15 minutes after the tour to write down your honest impressions before the day gets away from you. What stood out? What lingered? Did the school feel like a place your child could thrive?
Compare against your priorities list. Go back to the list you made before open house season and score each school against what matters most to your family. This exercise cuts through the noise and helps you make decisions based on fit rather than reputation or first impressions.
Follow up thoughtfully. Send a brief note to the admissions office thanking them for their time. Keep it short and specific: reference something you heard during the visit that resonated with you. You’re not out to flatter the team, but it’s good to demonstrate your continuing interest – schools notice.
One More Thing
Open houses give you a curated look at a school on its best day. It’s great to see, but it’s not the whole picture. Make sure to layer your tour impressions with conversations with current parents, research into the school’s culture and values, and your knowledge of your own child. The goal isn’t to find the most impressive school, but the right one for your child.
