Getting the Most Out of a School Tour
Open Houses vs. Tours
Open houses and tours both offer valuable opportunities to see schools beyond what they show on their websites, but they have some key differences.
An open house is an event during which families can briefly preview many areas of school life in a few hours through a mix of scripted presentations and “browsing.” Some open houses happen during the school day, and some are offered on weekends.
A school tour, taken in a small group or one-on-one with a guide, is a glimpse at the school day in action. Tours take place during the school day, which makes them a great way to see what a typical day is like. Your ability to speak with teachers and students outside of your guide may be limited, so you’ll need to use your observational skills.
Below are a few ways you can gain additional insight into what a school is all about during your tour. We’ll talk more about how to make the most of open houses in a future post!
What to Observe on a Tour
The Atmosphere Pay attention to how students interact with each other and with teachers. Do children seem engaged and happy? Is there a sense of respect and community? Do students wave and say hello when you walk by or look the other way? The hallway conversations, classroom energy, and overall vibe tell you more than any prepared presentation can.
The Facilities Look beyond aesthetics. Are classrooms well-resourced? What kinds of student work are displayed? Check out the library, science labs, art rooms, and outdoor spaces. These areas reveal the school's priorities and investment in different types of learning.
Teaching Philosophy in Action When you pass classrooms, pay attention! How do teachers engage students? Is there a balance between structure and creativity? How do students go about asking questions or contributing to discussions? You’re not checking for “right” and “wrong” approaches to teaching and learning, but which ones align with how your child learns best.
Questions to Ask
A tour guide will typically tell you about the classes and activities you’re observing, and the spaces where they are happening. Before you tour, think about some of the things they may not automatically cover. Write your questions down to help you remember! Here are a few examples:
What is your approach to different learning styles and academic support?
How do you handle behavioral issues and conflict resolution?
How do you make sure teachers are accessible outside of class time?
How do you communicate with parents about academic progress and concerns?
What is your homework and screen time philosophy?
How do you support social-emotional learning?
Other Tips
If there’s a specific program or person you’d like to see on your tour, ask ahead of time! It won’t always be possible, but admissions staff will usually try to arrange something if they know what you’re interested in seeing.
Your tour guide’s personality can play a large role in shaping your impressions of a school. It’s nice to make a connection, but don’t let a less-than-thrilling personality sway your opinion of the entire school too much. Enthusiastic students and teachers are a better sign of a vibrant school than anything a single tour guide can do or say!
After the Tour
Take notes! Write down what you saw (and didn’t see), how you would describe the school, and how you felt during and after the tour or session. If your child attended, ask them, too, and write down their responses! Do this as soon as you can so the information stays fresh.
Trust Your Instincts
After visiting several schools, you'll likely have a gut feeling about where your child would thrive. While it's important to consider academics, resources, and logistics, don't underestimate the power of that instinctive sense of "fit." Your child will spend countless hours in this environment—it should feel like a place where they can grow, learn, and be themselves.
Remember: the "best" school is the one that's best for your child's unique needs and personality.
