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Make the Most of an Admissions Open House
When researching private schools, attending an admissions open house event is a great opportunity for your family to tour campuses and see where your child could spend their days.
And while facilities conducive to learning and state-of-the-art resources are important, families should also look beyond the physical environment. A school’s true strength lies in its culture and academic program.
Before the Open House, Decide What is Important to You
To discover more about culture and program, it’s a good idea to talk about what is important to you and your child before heading off to the event.
For example, if a holistic approach to education is important to you, pay attention to the warmth, openness, and professionalism of the educators, as their approach to teaching and mentoring will have a lasting impact on your child's experience. A welcoming, supportive community that fosters strong relationships often contributes more to student success and well-being than any building or technology.
If you value a student-centered philosophy to education, pay close attention to how teachers engage students in the learning process. Look for evidence of a dynamic approach, where teachers encourage critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration rather than relying solely on lectures or rote memorization.
If you are looking for a program to help your child gain confidence and develop independence, consider whether the curriculum is challenging yet supportive. Ask how teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, offering individualized attention and fostering an inclusive environment. The best academic programs inspire curiosity, adapt to various learning styles, and prepare students with the skills to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Helpful Questions to Ask
After deciding what your main priorities are, it’s a good idea to jot down some questions to bring to the event. Below are some suggestions, but a family should decide which ones work best for them.
Academics
- What is the student-teacher ratio, and how does that impact the learning experience?
- How are students challenged academically, and what support systems are in place for those who need help?
- How is technology integrated into the curriculum at each division level?
- How do teachers incorporate the outdoors into their curriculum?
- Are there opportunities for experiential learning? Do students have opportunities to connect with professionals in the surrounding community?
Extracurricular Activities
- What extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and clubs, are most popular among students?
- Do all students have to participate in sports, arts, and clubs?
- Are there opportunities for students to take leadership roles in clubs or activities?
- How does the school support students who wish to start their own clubs or initiatives?
School Culture and Values
- What are the school’s values and how do they shape the culture and approach to education?
- Can you share more about the diversity and inclusion initiatives at the school? How does the school foster a sense of belonging among students from different backgrounds?
- How do students engage in service work within the school and community of Wilmington?
Student Life and Support
- What kind of support is available for students’ mental and emotional well-being across each division?
- How does the school facilitate the transition for new students, especially those entering mid-year or at different grade levels?
College Preparation and Guidance
- How early do students begin the college planning process?
- What kind of college counseling resources are available for parents?
- Are there any unique programs or partnerships that help students with college readiness?
Parent Involvement
- How are parents engaged with the school community and in their child’s education?
- What are some of the ways the school communicates with parents about their child’s progress and school events?
Deciding on the right school for your child is a big decision, and a school’s open house is one step along the journey. At Wilmington Friends, we also offer private tours and student shadow days, and our Admissions staff is always to help answer any questions.
Please Note: Our news items are grouped by calendar year.
More News
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4th Grade Electric Convention
4th graders held their annual electric convention, an opportunity to showcase their electric projects to lower school students and faculty!Read More -
Lower School Field Days
Read MoreSo much laughter and fun (for the grown ups, too!) at this week's lower school field days. Bring on summer! For more photos, visit our Smugmug page (password can be found in the Friends on Friday message). Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook -
The Sunny Side of Wellness
For Mental Health Awareness Month, middle and upper school students answered the question "How will you take care of your wellness this summer?" The Quaker Cares committee then created a vision board with the many responses!Read More -
Music in the Parks Winners!
Congratulations to our middle school band and choir, who were both winners at last week's Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania!Read More -
TED Talks, Mini Society, and Learning about National Parks
Exciting things are happening at the lower school these last few days of school!Read More -
Senior Explorations 2025
Read MoreCelebrations for the Class of 2025 have begun, and last night was Senior Exploration Night, where members of the Class of 2025 presented the projects they’ve been working on for the last month. -
Yearbook Distribution!
Middle and upper school students enjoyed ice cream and time with friends at yesterday's 2024-2025 yearbook distribution! The end is in sight!Read More -
Lower School Culture Quest Celebrates Juneteenth
Read MoreOur final Lower School Culture Quest was a celebration of Juneteenth! Students explored the significance of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, music, food, and arts and crafts. It was a fun and meaningful way to learn about and honor this important day! -
Preschool "Informance"
We wrapped up our spring concert series today with a preschool "informance," where our youngest students showcased their singing, dancing, and instrument playing!Read More -
Middle School 5K
One of our most beloved spring traditions...the middle school 5K! Costumed students (everything from the cast of Scooby Doo to famous athletes) walked and ran the Alapocas neighborhood all to benefit a good cause.Read More -
Preschool Field Day
So much fun at last week's preschool field day! Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook.Read More -
Upper School Kindness Chain
L-T Alleyne '26 sparked a chain of kindness in our upper school with a simple idea: write a thoughtful note to someone you don’t usually talk to—and pass it on. Thanks to everyone who took part, this sweet gesture made its way through our community, one kind message at a time.Read More -
Upper School Pops Concert
Jenna Fabiano, a music education major at the University of Delaware, joined WFS as a student teacher in the second half of the spring semester.Read More -
Pre-K Performs "Zog and the Flying Doctors"
Read MoreOur Pre-K students took the stage last week with their performance of "Zog and the Flying Doctors" by Julia Donaldson! Each spring, pre-kindergarteners put on a play to celebrate how much they have grown since September. From choosing their own roles to working as a team, our young performers showed that you're never too small to be part of something big. -
WFS Middle School Chinese Teacher Presents at Chinese Language Teachers Association Conference
We’re proud to share that WFS middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi recently attended the 2025 Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA) Annual Conference in New York City. Jianglin co-presented a session titled "Gamifying the Chinese Program With AI-Enhanced Learning and Hands-On Games," highlighting innovative approaches to language instruction!Read More -
Upper School Students Recognized for Outstanding Writing
Read MoreCongratulations to Henrik Maansson '27, Lindsey Forman '28, L-T Alleyne '26, and Landis Hershey '26, along with Mia Davenport '25 and Jordyn Moore '26 (not pictured), for being recognized by the Delaware Chapter of the Scholastic Writing and Arts Awards for their outstanding writing! -
WFS Welcomes Students from Calmare International School in Kalmar, Sweden
Read MoreThis week, WFS proudly welcomed student and teacher visitors from Calmare International School in Kalmar, Sweden—Wilmington’s sister city! -
Wellness Bingo Challenge!
Read MoreIn honor of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, WFS is prioritizing self-care, connection, and mindfulness with our May "Wellness Bingo Challenge!" -
First Grade Grub Hub Supports Sunday Breakfast Mission
First Grade Grub Hub is open for business! After visiting the Sunday Breakfast Mission last week, WFS first graders were inspired to create their own restaurant to support the community pantry.Read More -
Second Grade Wax Museum
Read MoreThis year's second grade wax museum featured athletes, astronauts, musicians, and scientists (among others!)
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101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
