Spring school tours provide an opportunity to see schools in person and begin to determine which schools might be a good fit for your child and your family, as you look ahead to the fall application process. However, even though it may feel like these tours are exclusively intended for you to learn about a school, it’s important to keep in mind that this is also a school’s first point of engagement with you and your family. Just as you are learning about the school, the school’s admissions team is beginning to learn about you.

When it comes to school visits, it's not just children who are being observed—parents are, too. Remember that schools are looking for families who will add to their community and be gracious partners throughout their child’s educational journey. Administrators and tour guides take note of parent behavior, and over the years, many have developed a keen eye for red flags. 

First Impressions on Spring School Tours

Arriving on time sets a respectful tone, and entering with a warm smile and open mindset goes a long way. If you’re part of a group tour, be mindful of others, which means leaving space for fellow parents to ask questions. When you do have a question, keep it relevant to the broader tour experience rather than highly specific to your child. An appropriate time to ask targeted questions, especially pertinent to your child and family, will present itself as you continue on in the process—the tour is not the best moment to make yourself or your child the primary focus. 

Keeping an Open Mind During School Tours

Remember, just because something isn't shown or mentioned on the tour doesn’t mean it’s not part of the school. A tour can't cover everything! Do your homework ahead of time by reviewing the school’s website, and jot down any follow-up questions after your visit to ask during a future conversation. While you are on the tour, pay attention to the overall tone and atmosphere of the school, the style of engagement between teachers and students, the student work on display, and the feeling of community that is evident in interactions among both adults and children. You can read more about what to look for in a spring tour in last month’s post, “Why a School Tour in Spring?” (LINK)

Spring School Tour Do’s and Don’ts for Parents

Do:

• Turn your cell phone off and, if you have an older child who is touring with you, remind them to turn their phone off, too.
• Stay present and engaged — think curious, enthusiastic investigation!
• If you have an older child and they are touring with you, remind them of the importance of paying close attention before you go on the tour; they may be asked about their impressions of the tour during an admissions interview.
• Reflect on your child’s learning style and social temperament as you explore, and ask yourself if you can see your child thriving (and why or why not) in each environment you visit.
• Based on your impressions, consider whether you can imagine your family as part of the school community.
• Thank your tour guide by name, and follow up with a warm email. Mention something specific from the tour and how it resonated with your family's hopes and goals in your thank-you note.
• If your child is older, encourage them to write their own thank-you note to the tour guides, as well.

Don't:

• Do not ask about college placement—save that for later.
• Do not ask a senior student tour guide where they’re going to college.
• Avoid bringing up your child's individual needs—that's best discussed privately, later in the process, such as in the parent interview.
• Do not compare schools or mention other schools during the tour.
• Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered by the school website. 
• Avoid asking questions that require very precise numerical answers, such as referencing percentages or specific metrics. Often this information can be found on the school website, and it can come across as antagonistic on the tour.
• Refrain from taking photos, as this shows respect for the school’s privacy policies.

THE GOLDEN RULE OF SCHOOL TOURS

At the end of the day, the best way to ace a school tour is to be a good cookie. Show up with kindness, curiosity, and gratitude—qualities that will be noticed and appreciated!

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