5 Questions parents should ask during an International School Open House

A website or brochure can tell you about a school’s curriculum and achievements, but they don’t compare to seeing the campus in person.

This is what makes open house days at international schools so valuable. You can step into the classrooms, meet the teachers, and get a taste of the environment your child may experience every day.

With so much to take in during a campus visit, it's easy to get overwhelmed by information and new faces. It’s important to make the most of your time there, ask thoughtful questions, and observe how students and teachers interact.

This guide highlights some of the most important questions parents can ask during an international school open house in Singapore. As you explore your options, you'll gain a better understanding of what to look for in the right school and how to identify an environment where your child can thrive. 

1.  How does the school support every learner?

No two children learn in the same way. One child could be naturally curious about new things, while another may need more time and encouragement. It’s a good idea to find out whether the school is equipped to support various learning styles and needs. 

As you speak with staff, ask them how learning is personalised in the classroom and how teachers identify when a student needs additional help. 

A strong international school should create an environment in which every student feels seen, understood, and supported. This starts with high-quality teaching, where educators adapt their approach to meet students at their individual level. 

Such support is also important for children who have learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder.

At the Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore, our Student Support and Well-being (SWELL) Department works together with teachers and families to ensure every student gets the support they need to thrive. The multidisciplinary team includes learning support specialists, counsellors, speech and language therapists, and healthcare professionals who work together to guide each child's academic, social and emotional development.

Questions you can ask during the open house:

• How do teachers personalise learning for students with different strengths and learning styles?
• How does the school identify children who need additional support?
• What specialist services are available, and how do they work with classroom teachers?

2. How does the school prepare students for future transitions?

Childhood is a period of intense growth and change for kids, and they’ll need the right skills and abilities as they move from one stage of learning to the next. During an international school open house, ask how the curriculum can support your child through these transitions, both academically and beyond. 

Beyond achieving good grades, a strong curriculum should nurture curiosity, encourage independent thinking, and foster confidence that will help a student thrive long after they have left the classroom.

For instance, how does the school give students more opportunities to take ownership of their learning over the years? 

Canadian International School students in Singapore follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). Each stage is intended to build on the one before it, creating a seamless learning journey that supports children as they grow in independence and knowledge.

Younger learners develop strong foundations through inquiry-based learning, while older students strengthen research, communication and critical thinking skills. As they prepare for university, secondary students at CIS undertake experiences like the Personal Project, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), helping them become confident and thoughtful members of society.  

Questions you can ask during the open house:

• How does the curriculum prepare students for each stage of learning?
• How are students encouraged to become more independent in class?
• What opportunities do students have to apply their learning to real-world situations?

3. What kinds of facilities are available to support learning?

Modern and impressive facilities may catch your eye while browsing an international school’s website, but it's also worth taking some time to understand how these resources support learning daily.

As you tour the campus, ask how different facilities are used throughout the school day. Are they integrated into everyday learning or reserved for occasional activities? Would your child have regular opportunities to explore and experiment in these spaces?

At Canadian International School (CIS), we encourage our students to explore ideas through purpose-built spaces that support creativity and hands-on learning.

For example, our Makerspace and Robotics Hub provide opportunities for students to code robots, tinker with 3D printing, or explore engineering prototypes. If your child has a penchant for the arts, ask to visit the school's performance and creative spaces. Facilities such as the David Foster Theatre, Black Box Theatre and dedicated arts spaces provide students with opportunities to perform, create and showcase their talents.

If sport is important to your family, find out how students are encouraged to participate. At CIS, for instance, sports are integral to student life. We provide facilities and training for everything from football and rugby to tennis and ultimate frisbee, with support for both seasoned athletes and children who are stepping onto a field or court for the first time. 

Questions you can ask during the open house:

• Which facilities will my child use regularly throughout the year?
• How are specialist facilities used as part of everyday learning? Do all children have equal access to these resources? 
• How does the school use outdoor spaces and real-world experiences to enrich learning?

4. What extracurricular and enrichment opportunities are available?

Some of the most meaningful learning experiences for kids happen outside the classroom. Through extracurricular activities, children get the chance to discover new interests, grow in confidence, and even build unexpected friendships. 

When visiting an international school open day, ask how students are encouraged to participate beyond academics. Is there something for every interest and ability? Can students try out entirely new experiences, or are programmes mainly targeted at those who already have talent or experience?

At CIS, we offer a dazzling range of extracurricular activities spanning sports, languages, creative arts, STEAM, and leadership. Your child can try their hand at everything from robotics and snowboarding to fashion design and learning a new language. Whatever they do, the staff at CIS are on hand to make sure your child is supported and encouraged as they step outside their comfort zone and embrace new challenges. 

These experiences complement classroom learning by helping students develop qualities that will stay with them long after their school years: leadership, collaboration, creativity, perseverance and adaptability.

Questions you can ask during the open house:

• Do children get the chance to try out various extracurricular activities before settling on their final choices?
• Are activities available for beginner-level participants as well as experienced students?
• How often are extracurricular activities offered, and how do students balance them with their academic commitments?
• How are students supported if they want to pursue a particular talent or passion more seriously?

5. How can parents stay informed and engaged with school life?

Choosing an international school in Singapore isn't only about where your child will learn. Remember, it’s just as important to find a community where your whole family can feel supported. 

Consider how the school keeps parents informed about their child’s progress and wellbeing. Are there regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, or reliable channels for contact? Open communication helps build trust and creates a strong partnership between parents and staff. 

At CIS, parent engagement is a vital part of creating a welcoming and inclusive school community. All parents of CIS students automatically become members of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), where they’ll have opportunities to connect with other parents and staff through coffee mornings, social gatherings, festivals, and other community events.

Our enrichment programmes don’t leave parents behind, either. Moms, dads, and guardians can join our English classes, fitness programmes and recreational activities. Shared experiences like these help families settle into a new school and feel connected to the CIS community. 

As you visit different international schools, note how staff interact with families. Do they take the time to answer questions thoroughly? Do parents seem welcomed and involved? These interactions can reflect the culture of the school just as much as its curriculum or facilities. 

Questions you can ask during the open house:

• What is the best way for parents to communicate with teachers?
• If I have a concern, how quickly can I expect a response from the school?
• How are parents involved in setting learning goals or discussing their child's progress?
• What role does the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) play in the school community?

Discover what makes CIS a school for your family

An international school open house is a precious opportunity to look beyond brochures and websites. By asking the right questions and experiencing the school's culture firsthand, you'll get a clearer, more reassuring idea of whether it’s the right place for your child. 

If you're considering Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore, we invite you to join one of our upcoming Open House sessions. Meet our faculty leaders and teachers, tour our purpose-built campus, observe classes in action, and discover how our caring community and holistic education approach help students thrive. 

We look forward to welcoming you and your family. 

If you have any questions or are unable to attend one of our scheduled Open Houses, our team would be happy to connect with you or arrange a personalised campus tour.