Is your child on their last year of elementary school? If so, you’ve probably started to consider a few high schools for the rest of their general education. High school open house events are a good way to get a first-hand look at each facility before selecting your child’s future school. To make the right high school selection, here are five things to look for at an open house.
1) The teachers
As expected, one of the biggest factors influencing a student’s motivation is the quality of teaching. During open houses, observe how teachers interact with students.
An energetic and engaged teaching staff is more likely to:
- motivate students
- build confidence
- improve long-term academic performance
However, success is not only about grades. Teachers who prioritize well-being and student engagement often create a more positive learning environment.
If your child struggles with motivation or engagement, it may also be helpful to understand how to address these challenges early. Resources like how to deal with student demotivation effectively can provide useful guidance for parents.
2) The Environment
On an average week, your child spends more time at school than at home. That’s why their future school should be a place they like and feel comfortable in. After visiting different schools, ask your child how they felt. Which places did they like? Which ones did they dislike? Why? If your child’s environment doesn’t stimulate their desire to learn, they may find their academic journey a bit long…
3) The Programs
Nowadays, many high schools offer their students the chance to take a unique learning path through different programs and specialized profiles. Before heading to a school’s open house, explore programs available at each school with your child and ask what interests them the most. During your visit, focus on the programs you’ve identified and talk with the teachers in charge. Having an idea of what each school specializes in will also make your school choice easier.
4) The Extracurricular activities
In addition to the different academic programs, many schools offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Usually, open houses are a good time to find out what’s available. Getting your child to explore the activities at their future school can also get them excited about making their transition from elementary to high school.
5) The Resources
Finally, be sure to ask about the different resources available to students. It’s important to find a place where your child has all the tools they need to learn, since learning is their very reason to go to school! Talk to school staff at an open house to find out what is available for your child if he or she is struggling academically or has a learning disability. In addition, the transition from elementary to high school is not always easy. Therefore, the presence of support services (remedial teachers, psycho-educators, etc.) can also be an important factor in choosing a school.
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