Visit the schools.
By now you have narrowed the list down to three to five schools which you all think will suit. So let's focus on arranging a successful tour of the schools which you have selected. There are several ways to do this.
Open Houses & Overnights
Many schools have "over-nights." If you can arrange for your child to spend a day at her prospective school, it will be an excellent way of letting her see what a typical school day is like.
Day schools generally have open houses, and since you probably live close by, this will accomplish the same purpose. Let's face it: seeing faculty, staff and students in a variety of settings will just confirm or deny a lot of hunches you might have had in the first place. This a most worthwhile exercise.
Make Travel Plans
If your school only gives a tour followed by an interview, then make your travel plans accordingly. Our Bed and Breakfast Guide offers some excellent suggestions for places to stay. The important thing to do is to plan on getting there the night before the tour so that you and your child can both get a good night's rest. It is an exciting, but exhausting time!
Make a list of questions
Before you leave home, prepare a list of questions which you have about any aspect of the school. Make a list of things which you want to see. Then use travel and mealtimes to review this list.
Be prepared
The day of the visit has finally arrived! Be sure to rise early, eat a nourishing meal, and get to the school in good time. It is always wise to know where on campus you have to go and to allow time for parking and rest stops!
What to wear
Students: a word about attire. This is not the occasion for a fashion statement. Dress sensibly and comfortably. Be yourself. Remember that the process works both ways: you are looking over the school, and the school is looking over you.
Ask questions
In most cases your tour guide will be a student. He or she will probably make written observations about you. So be alert. If you are not in a group tour, be sure to ask pertinent questions and be interested in the facts which are proffered. Even if you decide that you can't stand this school right there and then, good manners require that you put on your best face and soldier on.
Compare notes
When the tour is over, spend a few minutes reviewing your impressions with your child. Did all your questions get answered? Did you both feel that the school met your expectations? Did they appear interested in you? Keep track of these notes, because after three, four or five tours, your recollection can become a bit blurry!
