5 Reasons to Attend an Independent School Open House

Choosing the right school is about more than comparing websites, rankings, and brochures. It's about finding a place where you will be challenged, supported, known, and inspired every day.

An Open House allows you to experience a school's community firsthand. You'll move beyond the marketing materials and get a genuine feel for what life is like on campus, from the classrooms and houses to the people who make the community unique.

If you're considering boarding school or an independent day school, here are five reasons why attending an Open House should be part of your search.

1. Experience the campus culture.

Every school has its own personality, and that's something you can't fully experience through photos and virtual tours. As you walk through campus, ask yourself:

• Do students seem engaged and happy, or are they heads down on their phones?
• Are faculty interacting with students outside the classroom?
• Do you feel welcome?
• Can you picture your family being part of this community?

The environment often tells you just as much as the academic programs. A visit allows you to discover whether the school's values align with your own and whether it feels like a place where you will thrive.

2. You'll sit in on a class.

One of the best parts of an Open House is experiencing learning in action.

Whether it's discussing The Literature of Survival, exploring freshwater ecology, solving calculus problems, or participating in a history seminar, observing a class helps you see:

• How teachers engage students
• The rigor of academics
• Student participation and collaboration
• The size and dynamics of each classroom

Instead of imagining what classes might be like, you'll experience them firsthand.

3. Meet the people.

Schools are ultimately about people. An Open House gives you the chance to meet:

• Faculty members
• Coaches
• Admissions staff
• Current students
• School leaders
• Head of School and other leadership
• Other parents

Take advantage of these conversations. Ask students what surprised them most about attending the school. Talk with teachers about how they support different learning styles. Ask coaches how they help students balance athletics and academics. Have a list of questions ready to go and make the most of your visit. But don't worry, if you forget to ask something, you can always contact the Admission Office after. 

4. Compare your options.

If you're exploring multiple schools, visiting each one helps you understand what makes them unique. As you tour campus, consider questions like:

• Do you prefer a close-knit residential community or a larger campus?
• As a boarding student, are you in a large community dorm or a smaller house-like dorm?
• How much access do students have to outdoor recreation and nearby towns?
• What extracurricular opportunities stand out?
• As a day student, what spaces are provided for you?
• What is the daily schedule like?
• What happens on the weekends?
• What kinds of community-building events are there?
• What does spirituality look like on campus?

Seeing schools in person makes it much easier to compare not only their programs, but also the overall student experience.

5. Sample the food.

It might sound simple, but dining is an important part of boarding school life.

Meals are where students gather, connect with friends, and recharge between classes and activities. During an Open House, you'll often have the opportunity to enjoy lunch alongside current students and families.

It's a small detail that provides another glimpse into everyday campus life—and yes, it's perfectly acceptable to ask whether they serve your student's favorite meal. 

Make the Most of Your Visit

To get the most from your Open House experience:

• Come prepared with questions.
• Have conversations with faculty and students.
• Explore spaces beyond the admissions office.
• Take notes after each visit while your impressions are still fresh.
• Trust both the facts and your instincts about where your family feels most at home.

There is no substitute for experiencing a school in person. An Open House allows you to see the classrooms, meet the community, explore the campus, and imagine what your family's future could look like there.

Ready to see if Holderness is the right fit for your family?

Join us for an upcoming Open House to experience our vibrant community, engage with students and faculty, sit in on classes, and discover what makes a Holderness education unlike any other. We look forward to welcoming you to campus.