10 Tips for K-12 School Visits

Recently, the Independent Educational Consultant's Association (IECA) asked me to write up my top suggestions for school visits.

Nothing gives you a better feel for a K-12 school than being on campus. A visit allows you to observe the environment, meet the people, and get a sense of whether the school’s values align with your family’s. Here are 10 tips for making the most of your school tours and open house visits.

1. Research each school before you visit.

Read through any printed materials, browse the school’s website and social media, and talk to friends who may have a connection. Jot down any questions or topics you want to learn more about.

2. Think about who to bring.

Consider who should attend each visit. Open houses are typically more casual, while both parents should attend a tour and interview whenever possible. Elementary schools are often kid-friendly, while at high schools, younger siblings can be a distraction.

3. Plan your outfit ahead of time.

Don’t leave this to the last moment. Preselect outfits to ensure that you are comfortable and feel appropriately dressed. Take a cue from the school’s dress code for students, while business casual is always appropriate for parents. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

4. Be fully present.

Many schools are now phone-free environments. Follow suit and give your full attention while on campus. Leave your cell phone in the car or, at the very least, turn it off or set it to silent mode and keep it out of sight.

5. Pay attention to your feelings.

Throughout your visit, take note of how you feel and what invokes those feelings. Are students and faculty welcoming and engaged? What are the spaces like? What is on the walls? How are desks arranged in classrooms? How do individuals interact? Do you picture your child here? Why or why not?

6. Visit as much of campus as possible.

Take the tour, but if your child has any special interests, such as STEM, visual or performing arts, or athletics, ask to see those areas as well. Visit the lunchroom, library, dorms (at boarding schools), and student center. If possible, observe a few classes in session. Ensure what they sell is what you see.

7. Talk to a range of people.

Open houses offer you the opportunity to meet teachers, coaches, parents, and current students, as well as hear from the head of school, while tours give you more time with the enrollment team. What aspects of the school do each of these different cohorts emphasize or highlight?

8. Ask thoughtful questions.

Come prepared with a list of questions. Your questions may vary based on with whom you are speaking: a parent, student, faculty member, coach, or admission representative. Refrain from asking things that are readily found on the school’s website, but you can always ask follow-up questions about what you see online.

9. Reflect and make notes following your visit.

It can be eye-opening to watch how your child responds on these visits. Afterwards, jot down your impressions of each school. Keep school-specific notes in one place for easy recollection of your impressions in preparation for interviews and essays.

10. Reassess and pare down your school list.

Each visit offers insight into what makes a school unique in the broad landscape of independent education. If, after your visit, you can’t picture your child as part of the community, cross that school off your list and spend your time and energy applying to true “best-fit schools,” giving your child the greatest chance to shine.