Choosing the right school for a child is one of the most important decisions any parent will make. In Singapore, where international schools offer a variety of curricula, teaching styles and facilities, making that choice can be particularly complex. Open house events provide an ideal opportunity for parents and students to get a firsthand look at what a school has to offer.
Attending an international school open house is more than just a formality. It is a chance to assess whether a school’s ethos, culture and academic approach align with your expectations and your child’s needs. It also allows you to speak with staff, observe the learning environment, and get a sense of the student community. Click the link for more information: https://www.brightoncollege.edu.sg/admissions/open-house/
A Warm Introduction to School Life
Open house events typically begin with a welcome session hosted by the school’s principal or headteacher. This sets the tone for the visit and provides a broad overview of the school’s vision, curriculum, and values. In many cases, leadership teams will also outline their approach to academic achievement, pastoral care and co-curricular development.
For parents unfamiliar with the international education landscape, these sessions are invaluable. They offer clarity on differences between curricula such as the British system, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or the American model, which may not be immediately apparent when browsing websites or brochures.
Campus Tours and Classroom Visits
One of the highlights of any open house is the guided tour of the campus. Families are shown key facilities including classrooms, science and technology labs, libraries, art studios, sports halls, and outdoor areas. The layout and condition of the facilities can say a great deal about a school’s priorities. For example, a strong investment in creative arts or STEM education may be reflected in specialist rooms and equipment.
In many cases, prospective parents and students can also observe live classroom sessions. This offers a valuable insight into teaching methods, student engagement and classroom culture. Seeing how pupils interact with teachers and peers in real-time is often a strong indicator of the school environment.
Meeting the Teaching and Support Staff
Most international schools in Singapore use open houses as an opportunity for prospective families to meet key teaching staff. Subject leaders, form tutors, learning support specialists and heads of year are often available to speak one-on-one. These conversations help parents understand how individualised attention is provided, what support is available for students with diverse learning needs, and how academic progress is monitored.
Many schools also highlight their pastoral care teams during open house events. With student wellbeing increasingly recognised as central to academic success, understanding how schools support emotional health, social development and conflict resolution is essential.
Insights from Current Students and Parents
Some of the most compelling perspectives come from those currently within the school community. It is common for international schools to open houses to feature student ambassadors who lead tours or participate in panel discussions. Their views on school life—ranging from classroom experiences to co-curricular activities and friendships—offer authentic, unfiltered insight.
In some cases, schools also invite current parents to speak about their experiences. These peer-to-peer conversations can help address practical concerns such as settling into a new school, understanding homework expectations, or navigating transitions between key stages.
Understanding Co-Curricular and Enrichment Opportunities
Beyond academics, international schools in Singapore place great emphasis on co-curricular activities. Open houses often include demonstrations or displays from music ensembles, sports teams, drama clubs, robotics groups, and other enrichment programmes. These showcases give families a sense of the breadth of opportunities available for students to explore interests and develop talents outside the classroom.
Learning about co-curricular options also helps parents assess whether a school encourages a balanced lifestyle and holistic development. Some schools may also highlight partnerships with external organisations, community service initiatives or leadership programmes as part of their enrichment offering.
Admissions Process and Entry Requirements
Towards the end of most open house events, schools provide detailed information about the admissions process. This typically includes application deadlines, documentation requirements, assessment formats, and interview protocols. Admissions officers are usually present to answer questions and provide clarity on eligibility criteria and placement availability.
Understanding the admissions timeline is crucial, especially as many international schools in Singapore operate waiting lists. Some schools accept applications year-round, while others may have strict cut-off dates or limited spaces in certain year levels.
Making the Most of the Open House Experience
To maximise the value of attending an open house, parents are encouraged to come prepared. This means researching the school in advance, bringing a list of questions, and reflecting on the qualities they are seeking in an educational environment. Questions might cover topics such as teaching philosophy, homework expectations, university pathways, or integration for international students.
It is also helpful to observe how staff interact with students and with one another. A warm, respectful atmosphere among teachers and learners often indicates a positive and inclusive school culture. Taking notes during the visit and comparing impressions from multiple schools can help families make a more informed decision.
A Step Towards Confident School Selection
An international school open house is more than just a guided tour; it is a window into a school’s character, community and culture. For families making one of the most significant choices in their child’s educational journey, these events provide the clarity and confidence needed to make the right decision.
By attending with clear goals and an open mind, parents can leave with a strong sense of whether a particular school aligns with their values, aspirations and expectations. In a diverse and competitive landscape like Singapore’s, these insights are invaluable.
