Are You Ready to Create an Amazing Open House?

An Open House is a great chance to show what makes your school special, help people connect, and spark interest in future students and their families. It’s a time when you can proudly display your school’s dedication to excellent education.

At an Open House, parents and students can meet your school community, ask questions, and see for themselves how welcoming and inclusive your school is. This personal connection can’t be replaced by a brochure, website, or ad.

Overall, your Open House is an important way to introduce your school to new families. It lets them see what your school is all about — from the programs and facilities to the values and community that set you apart from others.

Advertisement and Promotion

To make your Open House a success, it’s important to have a good plan for getting the word out. This section covers how to attract new families and get your current students, parents, and staff excited to help promote the event.

Our goal is to create a plan that includes everyone, making it fun and engaging for both new families and the people already at the school.

Picking the Right Taglines for Social Media and Ads

In today’s busy digital world, catching people’s attention can be tough, especially when it comes to choosing the right school for their child. Make sure your taglines for the Open House are friendly and spark curiosity.? Make sure that it addresses the educational needs, desires, and problems families are seeking.

Open House Programming

An Open House gives families a firsthand look at what makes your school special and the learning environment you provide. To communicate this clearly, the entire event should be well-organized and thoughtful, ensuring a smooth experience from the moment families arrive until they leave. Each part of the event should reflect how much your school values education, community, and student success.

Here are some key elements to consider when planning your Open House program:

Warm Welcome and Check-in

Greet families as they arrive with friendly staff or student ambassadors. A smooth check-in process helps set a positive tone and ensures families feel comfortable right away. Consider offering welcome packets or school-branded materials like brochures, pens, or even a small gift as a way to introduce them to your school’s culture.

School Overview Presentation

Start with a short but impactful presentation by the head of school or key leaders. This is a great chance to introduce the school’s mission, core values, and educational philosophy. Use visuals like slides or videos to engage the audience and help them understand what makes your school stand out from others. Highlight key programs, achievements, and any unique opportunities that set your school apart. Have a relevant story ready; this is what they will remember.

Classroom Tours and Demonstrations

Allow families to tour the school, visiting classrooms, labs, arts spaces, and sports facilities. Along the way, they can see how the school operates day-to-day. Consider having teachers or students lead small group tours or offer live demonstrations, like a science experiment or a short performance, so visitors can see learning in action.

Interactive Sessions with Teachers and Students

Offer opportunities for prospective families to interact with teachers and current students. Set up booths or small stations where teachers from different departments can explain their subjects and answer questions. Have current students share their experiences and talk about what they enjoy most about attending the school. This personal connection can make a lasting impression on families.

Parent and Student Panels

Host a panel where current parents and students talk about their experiences at the school. This gives prospective families an honest look at what daily life is like for both students and their families. They can share stories about how the school has impacted them, discuss extracurricular activities, and provide tips for new families.

Extracurricular and Student Life Showcase

Set up displays or tables for sports teams, clubs, arts groups, and other extracurricular activities to showcase what’s available for students outside of the classroom. You might also want to include examples of student projects, artwork, or awards to show off student achievements. This gives families an idea of how students can grow and develop beyond academics.

Q&A Session

Hold a question-and-answer session at the end of the Open House. Families can ask questions about the application process, financial aid, student support services, or any other areas of interest. Make sure to have knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions thoroughly and provide additional resources if needed.

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Finish the event with a final message from school leaders thanking families for attending. Offer clear next steps for those who want to apply, such as how to schedule a follow-up tour, important application deadlines, and whom to contact for more information.

Post-Event Survey

Learning what people thought about your Open House is important for improving future events. This section, "Post-Event Survey," offers questions you can ask to gather feedback about the event and how well it met families’ expectations.

A well-planned Open House is a powerful way to showcase the best of what your school has to offer. By creating a welcoming, informative, and engaging experience, you provide prospective families with a clear and memorable understanding of your school’s values, programs, and community. Each interaction, from the initial welcome to the final goodbye, should reflect your school’s dedication to education and student success.