---
title: The Beginner’s Guide to Private School Open Houses
description: Learn about the Fall Open Houses hosted by admissions at Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware. Register today for Sanford School's next Open house.
image: https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Facilities_Photos/campus%20stephen%20may.jpg
---

Search

- [mySANFORD HUB](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app/)

[![Sanford School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/master-logo-horizontal-nofounded.png)](https://www.sanfordschool.org/)

- [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission) 
    - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school)
    - [Why Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford)
    - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford)
    - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/upper-school-shadow-days)
    - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/tuition)
    - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/financial-aid)
    - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/scholarships)
    - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/international-admission)
    - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) 
    - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford)
    - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/upper-school)
    - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/stem-education)
    - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/honor-code)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/college-counseling) 
          - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process)
    - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/libraries)
- [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs) 
    - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-sanford-experience)
    - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/athletics)
    - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/physical-education-and-health)
    - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/health)
    - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-arts)
    - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/before-and-after-school-care)
    - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/after-school-enrichment-programs)
    - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service)
    - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/school-counseling)
    - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/dining-services)
    - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/summers-at-sanford)
- [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life) 
    - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service)
    - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/dining-services)
    - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/spirit-store)
- [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar) 
    - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/school-news)
    - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/)
    - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/social-mashup)
    - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/sanford-news-network)
    - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/calendar)
    - [Sanford Speaks Podcast](http://sanfordspeaks.libsyn.com/)
    - [Auction 2019](https://sanfordschool.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/Sanfords30thAnnualAuction/tabid/1027331/Default.aspx)
- [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving) 
    - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/why-support-sanford)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/ways-to-give)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/planned-giving)
- [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about) 
    - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/head-of-school-welcome)
    - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/school-review)
    - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/mission-and-principles)
    - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/contacts-and-directory)
    - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/history-and-traditions)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/board-of-trustees)
    - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/sustainability)

- [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) 
    - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school)
    - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply)
    - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days)
    - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition)
    - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid)
    - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships)
    - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission)
    - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) 
    - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford)
    - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school)
    - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education)
    - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) 
          - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process)
    - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries)
- [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) 
    - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience)
    - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics)
    - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health)
    - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health)
    - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts)
    - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care)
    - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs)
    - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service)
    - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling)
    - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services)
    - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford)
- [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life) 
    - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/community-service)
    - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/dining-services)
    - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/spirit-store)
- [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) 
    - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news)
    - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar)
    - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup)
    - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/sanford-news-network)
    - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/)
    - [Video Gallery](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/video-gallery)
- [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) 
    - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving)
- [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) 
    - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome)
    - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review)
    - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles)
    - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory)
    - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees)
    - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)
- [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply)
- [Parents](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) 
    - [Home and School Association](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association)
- [Alumni](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) 
    - [Welcome Back!](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back)
    - [Stay in Touch](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch)
    - [Get Involved](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved)

- [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply)
- [Parents](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) 
    - [Home and School Association](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association)
- [Alumni](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) 
    - [Welcome Back!](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back)
    - [Stay in Touch](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch)
    - [Get Involved](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved)

# EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG

*Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.*

## The Beginner’s Guide to Private School Open Houses

Posted by [Tanya Graham](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/author/tanya-graham) on October 20, 2017 at 5:00 PM

![Tanya Graham](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Blog_Authors/sanford_school_tanya_graham.jpg)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

**From academics to athletics, teaching style to use of technology, and campus facilities to classroom culture, it’s important to get to know a school before you decide if it’s the right fit for your family. One of the best ways to do this is by visiting a school during an Open House.**

#### **WHAT is an Open House?**

An Open House is an opportunity for multiple families to visit a school at the same time and see the full range of activities that a school offers, both in and outside of the classroom.

****WHo should go to an open house?****

An Open House is a family affair! Parents/guardians *and* prospective students are invited to attend an Open House. Typically schools treat Open House as an “all hands on deck” type of event, which means that teachers, coaches, parents, and current students will be available to talk about campus life, so bring anyone who might have questions about the school.

[![Check out this list of 35 Great Questions To Ask at an Open House](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/a5db6ac1-c886-4b42-9e8e-3624b9548a1e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/a5db6ac1-c886-4b42-9e8e-3624b9548a1e)

**how long will the open house take?**

There’s so much to see and do at an Open House, so, if possible, arrive as soon as it begins and block off about two hours of time to visit campus locations and have conversations without feeling rushed.

[![https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Facilities_Photos/campus%20stephen%20may.jpg?width=300&name=campus%20stephen%20may.jpg "https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school")](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school)

**WHy attend AN OPEN HOUSE?**

Being able to talk to everyone and see everything in one swoop can be a great opportunity to get a snapshot of the many pieces that contribute to the whole school. On a traditional tour or student visit day, you will only see a few of the classes, clubs, or special activities that a school offers, but at an Open House you can learn about it all!

**preparing for an oPEN HOUSE?**

Asking the right questions will ensure that you maximize your Open House experience. Check out this list of 35 Great Questions to Ask at an Open House to help you get ready for the next Open House that *you* attend! Sanford's Open House schedule is available by visiting [Discover Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school). We hope to see you soon!

 Topics: [Admission](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/admission)

[![Register for a Tour of Sanford School Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300)

### Subscribe Via Email

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Parenting Tips (73)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/parenting-tips)
- [Education (64)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education)
- [Health & Wellness (45)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/health-wellness)
- [Academics (42)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics)
- [Community (35)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/community)
- [Elementary Education (16)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/elementary-education)
- [STEM (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/stem)
- [Summer (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/summer)
- [Diversity (13)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/diversity)
- [Arts (12)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/arts)
- [Sanford School (11)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/sanford-school)
- [High School Experience (10)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/high-school-experience)
- [Athletics (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/athletics)
- [College Guidance (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/college-guidance)
- [Admission (8)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/admission)
- [Financial Aid (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/financial-aid)
- [Middle School (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/middle-school)
- [Affordability (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/affordability)
- [Distance Learning (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/distance-learning)
- [Alumni (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/alumni)
- [School Counseling (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/school-counseling)
- [Preschool (3)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/preschool)
- [After-School Programs (1)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/after-school-programs)

see all

## Sanford School

[6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6900+Lancaster+Pike+Hockessin+DE+19707)  
 Phone: [302.235.6500](tel:302.235.6500)  
 Email: [admission@sanfordschool.org](mailto:admission@sanfordschool.org)

- [![pais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571018_49581.png)](https://www.paispa.org/index.cfm)
- [![nais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571017_49580.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx)
- [![advis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571015_49579.png)](http://www.advis.org/RelId/33637/ISvars/default/Home.htm)

## Connect With Us

- [![facebook](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571026_49585.png)](https://www.facebook.com/SanfordSchool)
- [![twitter](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571024_49584.png)](https://twitter.com/sanfordwarrior)
- [![instagram](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571023_49583.png)](https://www.instagram.com/sanfordwarrior/)

## No Talent Lies Latent

 Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Hockessin, Delaware, Sanford School is a college-prep [private school](http://mainsite.sanfordschool.onmessagestaging.com/Page/Admission/Why-Private-School?) for boys and girls in preschool (age 3) through high school.

Open Sitemap

- [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) 
    - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school)
    - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply)
    - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days)
    - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition)
    - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid)
    - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships)
    - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission)
    - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) 
    - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford)
    - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school)
    - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education)
    - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling)
    - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries)
- [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) 
    - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience)
    - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics)
    - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health)
    - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health)
    - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts)
    - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care)
    - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs)
    - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service)
    - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling)
    - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services)
    - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford)
- [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) 
    - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news)
    - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar)
    - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup)
- [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) 
    - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving)
- [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) 
    - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome)
    - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review)
    - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles)
    - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory)
    - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees)
    - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)