Inside a Prospective Families Event

What happens at a Calvert School Discovery Session?

A small group of Calvert Eighth Grade students will greet you and lead you across our beautiful campus to the Lower School, where they will help you settle in with nametags and materials. As an elementary and middle school only, our Eighth Graders become leaders and role models for our Lower School students.

Grab a coffee or tea and a light snack before you take a seat in the Calvert Lower School Auditorium. Expect a warm welcome from Head Master Andrew Holmgren, who will share Calvert’s philosophies on the benefits of a co-ed, K–8 experience, along with other key

factors in your decision-making journey.

You will be able to ask our administration team your questions, followed by snapshot tours of either the Middle or Lower Schools, as your schedule allows. These tours offer a peek inside the Calvert community, with more extensive tours available in the future when you return to Calvert with your child for the next stage of the admissions process. Register for Discover Calvert here.

What information will Calvert provide during a Discovery Session?

Learn about our history, our academic curriculum, our whole-child approach, and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will also discuss extracurricular activities, transportation options and financial aid. A Q&A session will follow, and our administrators will be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need.

What information should I bring to a Discovery Session?

For most families, Discover Calvert will be their first introduction to Calvert. This is a general information event, with individualized experiences planned for the future as your family moves forward in the admissions journey. At this stage, you will simply need to know the school year for which the student will be applying, their age at the start of the school year, and whether you would like information on financial aid. Bring a list of questions, based on which aspects of elementary and middle school education are most important to you. Register here.

What questions should I ask?

Every family will have different priorities, but here are a few to get you thinking:

Are there opportunities for hands-on and experiential learning?
Are teaching methods modified to meet children’s strengths, learning challenges and learning styles?
Is social-emotional learning part of the curriculum and the school community?
How are students supported emotionally, behaviorally and physically?
What extracurricular activities are available?

What should I expect during the snapshot tour?

A member of the admissions team will take small groups of Discover Calvert attendees around campus (to the Lower School or Middle School, depending on your child’s age) to visit some of Calvert’s most notable locations. Tours last approximately 15 minutes. Register here.

What areas of the school will I see during a tour?

The interior of the Lower School, including the Science & Music Wing, the Art Room, the Planetarium, two gymnasiums, and classrooms.
Exterior areas, including the two Lower School playgrounds, Molly’s Garden, and Brown Field.
As time allows, possibly the Luetkemeyer Athletic Center, which includes 10 squash courts and a large turf field.

If your child is entering Middle School, participants will visit the interior of that building, including the Assembly Hall, the Atrium, the black-box theater, the gym, and additional classrooms. Prospective Middle School families are also invited to join us for a Middle School-focused information session on Tuesday, November 10, from 9:00 A.M to 10:00 A.M.

What is the length of the Discover Calvert event?

The introduction and Q&A will last approximately one hour. Tours do not have a specific schedule or time limit. They are typically about 15 minutes, although some may run longer depending on the number of questions regarding the campus and facilities.

Should I bring my child to Discover Calvert?

Discover Calvert events are for parents only. After attending the event and proceeding with an inquiry or application, you will hear from the Admissions Office staff about scheduling a tour and testing visit with your child.

What are the dates for Discover Calvert events?

Lower School Sessions take place from 9:30 A.M to 10:30 A.M. on the following dates. Register here.

Tuesday, September 29
Friday, October 16
Thursday, November 5
Wednesday, November 18

Middle School Session:

Tuesday, November 10

9 A.M to 10 A.M.

When should I schedule private elementary school visits to begin comparing schools?

Most private school open houses in Baltimore and tours take place between September and November, allowing prospective families time to consider their options a few months before application deadlines, which typically occur in December. Now’s the time to sign up for a fall Discover Calvert information session.

How can I evaluate a private elementary school during a visit?

Consider these three focus areas.

1) Observe the Environment

- Classrooms: Are they welcoming, organized, and age-appropriate? Do you see student work on display?
- Facilities: Check the library, playground, gym, cafeteria, and other spaces. Are they safe, clean, and engaging?
- Atmosphere: Do children seem happy, engaged, and comfortable? Do teachers interact warmly with students?

2) Interact with Teachers and Staff

- Teacher approachability: Do they seem enthusiastic, patient, and supportive?
- Staff communication: Are administrators and staff welcoming and open to questions?
- Class size and teaching style: Ask about the number of students in each class and the teaching methods emphasized (e.g., traditional, project-based, individualized, whole-child).

3) Look at Academics and Programs

- Curriculum: What subjects are offered beyond the basics — art, music, languages, STEM, etc.?
- Student support: How does the school support children with different learning needs or strengths?
- Enrichment opportunities: Are there clubs, athletics, or extracurriculars that interest your child?

What happens after a discovery session?

We are delighted that you are considering Calvert School, and we look forward to meeting your entire family as you begin the journey to finding the right school for your child. Please submit an online inquiry, and a member of our admissions team will contact you to discuss testing and schedule an in-person tour for you and your child. You will also receive login information to access the online application and parent portal.

How do I determine which private elementary school is the best fit for my family?

Sometimes it is just a gut feeling or how you see your child respond to the environment. Does it feel right? Do you feel a connection with the faculty and administrators? Can you picture your child being happy and thriving there?

For a more objective angle, consider community and culture:

Values and mission: Does the school’s philosophy align with your family’s values?
Parent involvement: Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer or participate?
Diversity and inclusion: How does the school welcome families of different backgrounds?

Should I visit multiple private elementary schools before making a decision?

Absolutely. Visiting multiple private elementary schools is a smart move before making a decision that will affect your family for years to come. Even if schools appear similar on paper, each one has its own unique culture, teaching style, and community feel that can only be experienced in person. Visiting multiple schools gives you a clearer sense of choice and helps ensure you find the best fit — academically, socially, and emotionally — for your child.

How can I compare different schools after visiting?

A great way to compare schools after visiting is to organize your impressions while they’re still fresh. One possibility is to create a chart or checklist with the same categories for each school. Common factors could include:

Academics: Curriculum, educational philosophy and approach, enrichment programs, technology use
Teachers: Training, teaching approach, engagement with students, job satisfaction.
Class Size and Student Support: Ratio of teachers to students, availability of aides, learning support, individualization
School Culture: Supportive, positive, inclusive, parent involvement, opportunities for serving others, leadership opportunities, connection to the local and global communities
Facilities: Classrooms, outdoor space, athletic areas, safety, extracurricular activities
Logistics: Location, transportation, tuition, before/after school care
Your Instincts: Welcoming environment, happy students, engaged faculty

Comparing these factors can give you context so you know what’s typical versus what’s unique.

From there, decide what matters most to your family (e.g., academic rigor, diversity, small class sizes, arts programs) and weigh schools against those priorities.

How can I involve my child in the process of selecting a private elementary school?

Getting your child’s perspective often reveals insights you wouldn’t get from brochures or tours alone, and even younger kids can share where they felt happiest and comfortable. After each tour your child attends (or has any interaction with the school and staff), you can ask them these questions:

What did you like when we visited _____?
Was there anything you didn't like or that worried you?
Are there any after-school activities you would like to do (art, sports, STEM, etc.)?
What about going to elementary school makes you most excited?
Which were your three favorite schools to visit?
Do you have any questions about the school(s)?

What follow-up questions should I ask after visiting a private elementary school?

After visiting a private elementary school, asking thoughtful follow-up questions can help clarify details and make it easier to compare schools. Here are some suggestions to get you started and then prioritize based on what matters most to your family.

Academics

- How is the curriculum structured, and is it based on a particular philosophy?
- How do you adapt instruction for students with differing strengths and challenges?
- How do you measure student progress and communicate it to parents?
- What enrichment programs are offered (e.g., art, music, STEM, foreign languages)?

Teachers & Staff

- What is the average class size and teacher-student ratio?
- What kind of training and experience do your teachers have?
- Do teachers get ongoing professional development?

School Culture & Community

- How do you build a positive and inclusive school culture?
- How do you support students’ social and emotional growth?
- How can parents get involved in school activities or volunteering?

Logistics & Practical Considerations

- What is included in tuition, and are there extra fees?
- What kinds of before- and after-school programs do you offer?
- What are the options for transportation and carpooling?

Take the Next Step

Now’s the time to register for a Discover Calvert information session. Get a firsthand look at what your child’s daily experience could be like and gather the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision. Keep your family’s priorities in mind and you will be able to select a private elementary school that will make your child feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. A Discover Calvert event is the easiest way to begin a private school tour in Baltimore.