Choosing the right boarding school is a big decision, and one of the best ways to get a sense of whether a school is the right fit for you is by attending an Open House.

A boarding school Open House is a no-commitment opportunity to visit and tour campus, explore academic and extracurricular programs, meet faculty, coaches, and students, and experience daily life.

Here are five reasons why attending an Open House is the best first step in your boarding school journey.

1. Experience the School’s Culture and Campus.

Why visit a boarding school campus in person? Because nothing compares to setting foot on campus and experiencing daily life. You’ll get to walk the paths, sit in classrooms, and feel the energy of the community.

• What’s the “vibe”?
• Do you feel comfortable and welcomed?
• Is this a place where you could see yourself thriving in academics, extracurricular activities, athletics, and residential life?

These questions are easier to answer when you experience it in person.

2. Attend a Class.

During an Open House, prospective families often have the chance to attend a class and see how faculty and students interact. It’s the perfect opportunity to preview classes you might be interested in, see faculty in action, and meet students who could become your classmates.

If you’ve browsed the Curriculum Guide, this is your chance to find out whether the courses that excite you on paper feel just as inspiring in real life.

3. Meet Faculty, Coaches, and Students.

Websites and brochures can only tell you so much—personal interactions bring a school to life. Meet the faculty who will challenge and support you, coaches who inspire their student-athletes, and students who can share what it’s really like to live and learn at a New England boarding school.

These conversations give you authentic perspectives that help you decide if the school is the right fit.

4. Compare Your Boarding School Options.

When you visit multiple boarding schools, you’ll quickly notice the differences. One school may stand out for its academic programs, while another shines in athletics, the arts, or student activities.

Visiting a school gives you in-person experiences that help you compare your options and choose the school where you’ll thrive.

5. Sample the Dining Hall Food.

Meals are an important part of campus life. The dining hall is more than a place to eat—it’s a place to gather as a community. Sharing a meal with peers, faculty, and coaches fosters connection and belonging.

Sampling the food (like our soft-serve ice cream machine) during an Open House gives you a literal taste of daily life.

How to Make the Most of a Boarding School Open House

• Come prepared with questions!
• Ask current students and faculty what they love most about Holderness School and why they came.
• Pay attention to how you feel walking around campus; your instincts matter.

Ready to Visit Holderness School?

Holderness School’s Open House on Monday, October 13, is your opportunity to explore everything our community has to offer—challenging academics, outdoor adventure, athletics, and a culture built on curiosity and community.

Register for the Open House