What to Expect at Discover Calvert

A Preview of Calvert's Events for Prospective Families

If you are considering a private elementary and middle school education for your child, Discover Calvert information events are the ideal way for you to learn how Calvert School stands out among the many independent schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. These interactive events are the first step in the Calvert admissions process. Although attending a discovery session is not a requirement, it’s a wonderful opportunity to speak with administrators and the admissions team, and to get to know Calvert on a personal level.

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 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 division 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 subjects like extracurricular activities, transportation options, and financial aid before opening the floor to questions from prospective families.

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.

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?
What extracurricular activities are available?

What should I expect during the 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.

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.

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 questions regarding the campus and facilities.

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.

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.

Additional Questions

List of 2 items.

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 do you adapt instruction for students with differing strengths and challenges?
- 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?
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 are the options for transportation and carpooling?