A school open house is usually an evening function that allows parents and guardians to visit their child's school. Parents have the opportunity to speak with teachers about their child's progress, needs, and abilities. Students generally get to show their parents around their school and classrooms, informing them of activities, projects, and assignments they have completed. A school open house is usually organized by teachers, parents, principals, and district administrators, and funded by district budgets, money from previous fund raisers, or parent-teacher associations.
The main objective of most school open houses is to allow teachers and parents to meet and discuss issues regarding students. Instructors may explain their teaching styles and their methods of monitoring student behavior and progress in class. An interested parent might point out to teachers some facts about his or her child's behavioral problems, academic struggles, or learning style in hopes of developing a more individualized teaching plan. Positive results are likely when teachers and parents work together to identify students' needs and implement strategies to meet them.
It is common for children to accompany their parents or guardians to school open house functions. Students have the chance to explain their daily activities and give their parents tours of their classrooms. Many students, especially those in elementary school, prepare classrooms for open house functions by decorating the room and displaying artwork, science projects, and other assignments. A school open house can be a great way for parents to better understand the average school day through the eyes of their children.
Many open houses feature presentations and booths for parents to find out more about student clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Teachers, coaches, and community members explain different options parents have for enrolling their children in various events and activities. School personnel might promote after-school programs or childcare services, and help parents determine the costs for such services.
A school open house can be an opportunity to raise awareness about the financial or material needs of a school or community. When a district budget is tight, it is usually up to parent-teacher associations and compassionate community members to find the funds necessary to keep programs such as physical education, music, and library access intact. Parents and teachers can use open house events as a means of informing others about school and community needs, and promoting events like book fairs, food drives, and car washes to secure the necessary funds.