High-school campus tours, whether in-person or virtual, are a valuable exploratory stage of the admissions process. Campus tours provide 8th graders and their families an opportunity to explore facilities, learn about engaging student activities, and experience what it will be like to be part of a new academic community.
How High School Campus Tours Benefit 8th Graders
While it may not be every 8th grader’s dream to go on a high school campus tour, it may be the best opportunity for parents to instill excitement around their child’s next step in their academic journey. Touring a school’s campus outlines the advantages of receiving a holistic education, such as the one students receive from an award-leading co-ed, college-prep private Catholic high school like Paraclete.
Here are some of the valuable benefits 8th graders can expect to receive by going on a virtual or in-person high school campus tour.
Make Connections with Students and Staff
We all remember what it was like to walk into a new classroom on the first day of school. Students often feel intimidated by their new environment and the lack of familiarity with their peers can feel isolating at times.
During an in-person campus tour, visiting 8th graders can speak with staff and current students to forge relationships prior to the first day of school which will help eliminate any lingering anxiety. Campus tours provide staff and teachers the chance to get to know prospective students personally, which will make 8th graders feel more supported and comfortable when they arrive on campus. At Paraclete, Student Ambassadors, who are well-spoken and accomplished students, are a part of campus tours and are prepared to help answer any questions families and their children may have.
Virtual tours also provide 8th graders and their parents an opportunity to make connections with students and staff but with an extra layer of flexibility. Parents can sign up for a school virtual open house at their convenience and receive an email with a link to the video for quick accessibility. Once parents have the link, they are able to take the virtual tour and watch the informational session any time, anywhere, and for as many times as they’d like. During a virtual tour, 8th graders can hear from students and teachers as well as get a feel for the types of students that attend the school.
To make sure your 8th-grade child gets the most out of in-person and virtual tours, here are some questions they can ask students and staff.
- What are the school’s values, goals, and priorities?
- How will I be supported academically?
- What are my opportunities upon graduating?
- How is religion integrated into school life?
- What enrichment programs and extracurricular activities do you offer?
- How does the school integrate technology?
- How will the school communicate with my parents?
- How will the school support my athletic ambitions?
- Do graduates go on to Division I or Division II schools for athletics?
Discover Engaging Extracurricular Activities
One of the greatest benefits of in-person and virtual high school campus tours is their ability to generate excitement by showcasing the extensive extracurricular opportunities students will have at their disposal. Extracurricular activities enable students to explore new perspectives and develop crucial critical-thinking skills that will help them in college and throughout their lives.
At Paraclete High School, we offer extensive extracurricular opportunities for students designed to encourage growth and academic exploration including but not limited to:
- Football
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Track & Field
- Art Club
- Drama Club
- Dance
- Academic Decathlon
- National Spanish Honor’s Society
- Robotics Team
- Mock Trial
- African Heritage Club
These activities provide the spark that ignites academic inquiry and the building blocks to develop integral problem-solving and interpersonal skills that students need for a successful experience in college and beyond.
Get Familiar with the Campus Facilities
Does your child know where their locker is? How about the cafeteria, campus ministry, or their first-period classroom? A comprehensive in-person or virtual campus tour provides prospective students the information they need to navigate their new environment and the confidence to ensure a successful first day of school.
At Paraclete, surveys of teachers, parents, and students show that our community views the campus as clean and well-maintained with buildings and grounds in good order. During a virtual or in-person tour of campus facilities, parents and prospective students can locate important buildings including:
- CleteHouse Café for breakfast, lunch, and snacks
- Campus chapel with daily Mass
- Godde Gymnasium
- Library and computer resource room
Attending a High School Campus Tour with Your 8th Grade Child
The transition from 8th grade to high school can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience for children, and as parents, we want to minimize that discomfort as much as possible. A high school campus tour is a great way to give your child an opportunity to see the campus and forge connections with the students and staff members that will shape their experiences in the years to come.
If you’d like to attend a virtual tour and information session to assess if Paraclete High School is the right fit for your 8th-grade child, register now!
