The Key To Touring Schools Is Remembering How To Go On a First Date...
Fall is in the air, children are in school, and families are beginning to think about what the next academic year will hold. In Nashville’s independent school market, tours begin the year before planned enrollment so the time has come for parents who will have a child entering a new school next year to begin exploring those options.
Exploring school websites is a wonderful way to get an initial introduction of a school, but seeing it in person and getting a feel for the culture is paramount for finding the right fit for your child and family. For many parents, going on a school tour parallels going on a first date: this is either going to be a place you would like to see again and get to know better, or was a pleasant enough hour, but not one you plan to see again. And as with dating, the school is also looking for a match so there are some tips for touring:
Do Your Homework
Before touring a wide range of schools recommended by everyone you know, think about aspects of your child’s education and family values that will be important to you. Is a religious aspect imperative for you or do you prefer a non-religious school? Based on what you already know about your child’s interest and talents, are there curricular or extracurricular areas that a school absolutely must have? Researching a school’s website will help you narrow down those you want to explore further and those that are not a match based on what you are looking for. The tour is not the time to find out that a school actually doesn’t have a theater program for your passionate thespian.
Scheduling a tour
School websites will typically guide you on options for scheduling a tour via phone or online. Online scheduling options are ideal for families juggling several calendars so that you can compare those and schedule accordingly.
Who Should Come on the Tour
Parents are busy and life happens, but if at all possible it is ideal for all the adults who will be involved in the school selection process to attend the tour. Tours are typically happening all fall, so schedule months ahead if necessary to try to both be there. This not only conveys family interest to the school, but allows you to be equally engaged and invested from the beginning. Unless otherwise directed by the school, young children typically do not attend campus tours. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to explore a school first and determine if it is somewhere they would like to pursue further for their child.
DO:
Research in advance to know at minimum the school is a match for your family values and child’s needs.
Schedule so that all the adults making the school decision can attend together.
Be on Time.
If you are going to be late, call to let the school know and confirm that there will still be time to tour when you arrive. Tours are often given in groups or scheduled back to back so they may guide you to reschedule rather than arrive late. Either way, they will appreciate you communicating with them.
If you have to cancel, email and leave a phone message with the admission office with as much notice as possible.
Try to picture your child in the classrooms you are seeing. Is the classroom structure and teaching style you see a match for their learning?
DON’T
Ask your tour guide to compare themselves with another school. That’s your job with the data and tour experiences you are collecting.
Monopolize a group tour with personal questions. Asking about your child’s individual learning plan or dietary needs is best done later and privately.
Debate the tour guide on school philosophy. Inquisitive questions are great, but debating the answers is not.
Not every tour will result in a love connection or second date, but by following these tips you can make the most of your time on each campus and find your child’s educational soulmate.
