One you get in the touring groove you’ll start to notice that each school has its own take on how to welcome prospective families, even in how they describe what their offerings are—for example the differences, if any, between tours and open houses.
Generally speaking, tours are when you explore the building, either with an assigned guide (student or someone from the school) or by yourself. Open houses often means a big group meeting in an auditorium or perhaps cafeteria where you sit and hear people speak. But, some schools combine the two or offer some sort of hybrid.
Some schools welcome families during the school day, or after school, in the evening, on weekends. Some tours are led by students, or school employees. Some open houses have teachers or students or even PTA members stationed to talk to families.
Going into any viewing opportunity, it can help to have your own questions on hand. The tour log below can be great to print out and bring with you, or it might inspire questions of your own.
