‘A lot like going on a first date’
Attending an open house lets parents and potential students ask questions and determine if a school is the right fit
Making the call on whether or not to send your child to private school can be an arduous undertaking. While the decisionmaking process has the potential to be straightforward and uncomplicated, it can also be stressful and draining.
Take heart: The uncertainties will likely pave the way for pointed questions about contending schools: what they offer, and whether they’re a fit for your child/family.
So what’s a good first step to follow when prepping to attend an open house?
David Fischer, director of admissions at Toronto’s all-boys St. Michael’s College School, which teaches boys from Grades 7 to12, says making a list never hurts.
“The open-house experience should serve the needs of families and their sons, and we encourage parents to inquire about any and all aspects of our school, whether that involves a long list of questions or not,” he says. “They may get the answers they’re looking for just by virtue of what is seen and experienced during the open house, but we welcome asking questions before, during, and after the open house evening(s) to ensure that families are comfortable in making this decision.”
Maggie Houston-White, executive director of enrolment management for Toronto’s allgirls Havergal College, a school for girls from kindergarten to Grade 12, adds that taking time to frame your thoughts and zero in on aspects that are important to your family beforehand is also helpful.
“The open-house experience can be a lot like going on a first date — it’s all about first impressions and determining whether you’d like to learn more,” she says. “Asking questions is very important, but equally important is coming in to get a sense of what the school offers and how you feel while there. (Doing so allows) families to get a sense of whether it’s a place that they’d like to continue to explore.” What to expect Ensuring the school’s climate and approach to learning and co-curricular activities aligns with your child’s needs and interests is another important consideration.
“Our open house begins with a 45-minute presentation in our on-site theatre, with a demonstration on how education and formation here provides a foundation of a young man’s life, wherein our student hosts introduce speakers who address the nature of our faithbased, university preparatory program,” Fischer says. Topics include the school’s Deep Learning Inquiry model, Constellation of Care, outdoor education program, admission requirements, criteria and important dates.
“From there, families are treated to a spectacular show by one of our award-winning school bands, and are then offered personal tours by student ambassadors of the campus, modern education and co-curricular facilities where parents meet administrators, the admissions team, directors and teaching faculty.”
At Havergal College, open houses are geared specifically to entry grades ( junior kindergarten, Grade 7 and Grade 9) with formats designed to best fit each age and stage, says Houston-White.
“Each has a focus on allowing families to not only see the outstanding academic program Havergal College is known for, but to glimpse the co-curricular programming in athletics, the arts, clubs, student leadership and through The Forum for Change.”
There are also student ambassadors on hand to answer questions and help prospective families and students as needed, which Houston-White credits with doing so much to make a lasting impact on families and would-be students.
“It truly is the girls at Havergal and their warm welcome to visitors that make people (feel at ease and) want to come back.”
School ambassadors are also on hand at the all-girls St. Clement’s School in Toronto during its open houses. They will guide visitors through the school, revealing the academic, artistic, athletic, and social areas where students develop skills that will benefit them in all areas of their lives.
“The more you can connect with our school by planning a visit, connecting with the members of the admissions department, and speaking to faculty, the more we will be able to provide you with the information that’s relevant to you as a unique prospective applicant,” St. Clement’s School states on its website.
Lastly, when visiting a prospective school, having the potential student in attendance is paramount.