Explore your options through educational experiences.
High school open houses are events where school staff and students showcase the school’s programs, curriculum, clubs, and sports. It is an opportunity for you to speak with members of the school community and gather information on what the school has to offer. Open houses are open to all students and parents or guardians.
High school shadow days are an opportunity for a potential student to spend the day at a high school while attending classes and participating in school functions alongside a current high schooler. Visiting the high school’s website is the best way to set up a shadow day. Fall shadow days are generally reserved for 8th graders while spring shadow days are reserved for 7th graders, and sometimes 6th graders.
Because of school size, academic offerings, and other factors, every child may not always be accepted. It is important to research the different options during your selection process and have a sense of your prospective schools' acceptance rates. Consider meeting with a teacher or a school administrator at the school you are currently enrolled in for support in the application process and to learn about high school acceptance rates.
How Do You Experience a School Before Applying?
Exploring schools in person is one of the best ways to understand what they’re really like. Open houses and shadow days give you the chance to see beyond the brochure.