The Next-Generation Open House

Deeply individualized instruction delivered by extraordinarily dedicated, experienced faculty is one of the biggest reasons families choose an independent school such as Shore. So it is no wonder that parents are increasingly asking for the same type of one-on-one experiences when they visit us. 

As Shore's Director of Admissions, I've watched as, industry-wide, the traditional open house model—with a large group of families touring a school on the weekend—is increasingly being supplemented by additional, more intimate visits during the school day; Shore's "First Fridays" are a good example of this larger trend. These open, unstructured tours on the first Friday of every month—often including fewer than a handful of families, each with their own parent or faculty tour guide—can reveal the specific details about programs and school culture that are most relevant to each family. First-hand experiences during a school day in full swing can be critically important in helping families choose the right school for their children.

What accounts for this shift from the old-fashioned open house, with its focus on program facts and figures, to the small-scale, personalized tour? At Shore, we believe the culture of our community is one of the biggest "selling points" of our school; and while it is very difficult to communicate through the language of facts and figures the positive energy and excitement that drive each school day, it is significantly easier for families to understand what we mean by words such as "inspiring" and "happy" when they experience those feelings first-hand in our hallways and classrooms.

My team and I make sure the First Friday experience is truly uncensored. During the Friday morning all-school "House" meeting in the Trustey Family Theatre, visitors may witness raucous games, sophisticated musical performances, or emotional student storytelling as they take in the bright colors and palpable enthusiasm inspired by our House System. Afterwards, in classrooms, they may easily observe how teachers speak to students and how students speak to each other. They can see for themselves how excited our students are when sharing knowledge, and how closely our teachers connect with their students and with each other. 

Importantly, visiting families may spend hours with the parent volunteer serving as their tour guide; these "Parent Ambassadors" are an unmatched source of behind-the-scenes intelligence about everything from the lunch menu to social life to afterschool programs. No questions are off-limits.

With a parent tour guide instead of an official school representative, First Fridays really are about unscripted moments. Stay as briefly or as long as you like. Meander into several places of specific interest or explore every nook and cranny. As visitors, all families bring their own individual styles of inquiry. For some, a campus stroll might be a perfect occasion for casual observation. Others will arrive with copious questions on the tips of their tongues. All approaches are welcome here. Making the visit personal and useful is the true bottom-line.

As I've seen more and more families taking advantage of our First Fridays, I've come up with five "rules"—really, healthy habits—all parents should keep in mind when visiting Shore or any other independent school. As a school community, our most valuable allies and leaders are well-informed parents who know us inside and out, flaws and all. Below are just a few of the ways families can be sure the schools they see on their visits are the real thing, and not polished versions that exist at the traditional open house:

Rule #1: You are the customer. Rule number one is actually the foundation for all the rules that follow. Independent schools throughout the North Shore region are fantastic in their variety of programs and resources for our children. Make sure that each one you explore delivers the information you need.

Rule #2: You know your child best. Schools engage in exuberant marketing practices. What you will hear will likely sound wonderful, but be sure that it also sounds like a genuine fit for your child. Sometimes we do give in and buy the shoes that are fashion-forward but we know will hurt our feet. In the end, that wrong choice will give us blisters.

Rule #3: Be nosey. While all our children are unique, ask for testimonials at your grade level, or gender, or geographic region, or area of special interest or talent. Schools will connect you with happy parents, a.k.a. satisfied customers, but do not hesitate to drill down in your conversations for any areas of dissatisfaction.

Rule #4: Insist on a first hand look. All schools will want you to visit, but if the opportunity is not presented on tour to step inside an active classroom or to converse with teachers and administrators, then be sure to ask. Classrooms, teachers, and leadership are what you are investing your tuition dollars in. As you would in any shop, try it on, touch the material, kick the tires: shopping metaphors apply to checking out schools, too.

Rule #5: Visit multiple times if you need to. Everyone absorbs information at his or her own pace. Some can feel and understand a school’s vibe in a single tour. Others can only digest with longer, deeper, or more frequent exposure to the many facets that comprise a school culture. Ask about the best ways to increase your knowledge. You might need only a bit more time with teachers or administrators, but often there is just as much to be gleaned from enjoying school events such as student plays, concerts, or exhibitions.

Ultimately, it's all about you—your family and your children especially. As parents, we give our children our love, and we aspire to educate them in the ways that fit them and nourish them best. The North Shore’s independent educational choices serve many different types of families, and nourish their children in many different ways. Getting a genuine, uncensored look at any school is therefore essential. We look forward to welcoming you at Shore to explore your options.