Fall 2023 Guide to navigating school and college visitations, plus extracurricular learning centers and programs
For parents and students, researching and visiting schools or colleges can be life-changing experiences. Gaining first-person perspective, on-site optics, and meeting the administrations of potential schools are instrumental to making one of life’s most important decisions—choosing the right school. This guide provides tips for navigating your school search, as well as a comprehensive list of regional schools, colleges, and learning centers offering open house, campus tours, virtual seminars, and programs for all ages.
If you’re considering school visitations this fall, or in the near future, here are several tips and considerations when planning.
1. Make a list and map the schools out. Before the application process begins, curate a list of all potential schools, research them, and narrow them down. Once you have reduced your list to the top contenders, it’s time to start planning your campus visits. Ideally, you’ll want to visit every school you are strongly considering, so map out each school and plan accordingly.
2. Order matters. Try to visit your top school(s) last. As you visit more campuses, you’ll start to get a better idea of your likes and dislikes. Throughout the process, you will gain a better sense of questions to ask and places on campus you want to see and you will know what to look for by then.
3. Timing is crucial. Plan your visit while school is, hopefully, in session. Observing student life will give you an authentic view of the school and will (hopefully) help you envision yourself as a student there.
4. Explore on your own. The official campus tour will highlight the school’s best features, so make sure to spend extra time exploring parts of campus that weren’t shown on your tour. This will be the best time to observe students, check out any departments you’re interested in, or sit in on a class or lecture.
5. Talk to current students. It’s your tour guide’s job to give the best impression possible of their school, making them a biased source. While the information your guide gives you is crucial, you may want to secure a more candid impression by talking to current students. Ask students anything that wasn’t covered on the tour: What is student life like? Is it easy to meet and make friends? Is there a lot of diversity on campus? Is it difficult to adjust?
6. Document every visit. If you plan to visit several schools, make sure to document each visit. Take pictures, jot down some notes, or record a voice memo to highlight your favorite—or least favorite—aspects of each school. Going on several tours within a short period of time can be chaotic, so this will help you separate and compare each visit.
7. Keep an open mind. Your priorities during your initial school search may completely shift once you start touring, so remain openminded. Walk onto every campus with a positive attitude and save your judgments until the end of the tour.
The following list of regional schools, colleges, and learning centers advertise within the What’s Up? Media family of publications. Please consider calling them directly to confirm open house dates, visitation guidance, and program availability. Schools are listed alphabetically.
Private Schools
Annapolis Area Christian School – Lower Annapolis Campus – 710 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis; Severn Campus – 61 Gambrills Road, Severn; 410-846-3504; 410-846-3505; aacsonline.org; AACS is an accredited K–12 private, co-ed, school with four campuses in AA County. We provide an excellent, distinctively Christian education. Lower school parent preview days from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on September 27th, October 20th, and November 16th at the Severn location and October 3rd, November 2nd, and December 1st at the Annapolis location.
Annapolis Area Christian School – Middle 716 Bestgate Road, Annapolis; 410-846-3506; aacsonline.org; AACS is an accredited K–12 private, co-ed, school with four campuses in AA County. We provide an excellent, distinctively Christian education. Discover AACS is on January 30th, 2024 from 7 to 8 p.m. Visit days are on October 12th and December 7th from 9 a.m. to noon.
Annapolis Area Christian School – Upper 109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn; 410-846-3507; aacsonline.org; AACS is an accredited K–12 private, co-ed, school with four campuses in AA County. We provide an excellent, distinctively Christian education. Discover AACS is on October 17th, 7 to 8 p.m. Visit days on October 23rd, December 4th, and January 24th from 9 a.m. to noon.
Archbishop Spalding High School 8080 New Cut Road, Severn; 410-969-9105; archbishopspalding.org; Spalding is a coed, college preparatory school that serves students in the greater Annapolis and Baltimore areas. It is a Diocesan school of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Open House set for October 29th from 12 to 2 p.m. Students can register online to schedule Shadow Days.
Calvert Hall 8102 La Salle Road, Baltimore; 410-825-4266; calverthall.com; Calvert Hall is an independent, all-boys Lasallian Catholic college preparatory high school attracting students from more than 100 zip codes. Calvert Hall’s Open House will take place on Saturday, November 11th. Registration is required. Cardinal for a Day visits begin September 28th and run through December.
Divine Mercy Academy 8513 St. Jane Drive, Pasadena; 410-705-0778; divinemercy.md; Divine Mercy Academy is an independent, classical, liberal arts school in the Catholic tradition for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Shadow days available. Open House is scheduled for November 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Seton High School 537 Emerson Street, Bladensburg; 301-864-4532; setonhs.org; At Seton, our students take center stage and occupy every role. An all-girls school provides an environment where female students can express themselves freely, and develop higher cognitive skills, increased self-confidence, and broader interests. Open House is set for November 5th, Roadrunner for a day is on September 13th & 28th, October 12th & 25th, and Coffee & Conversation is on September 18th and October 16th.
Glenelg Country School 12793 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City; 410-531-8600; glenelg.org; Glenelg Country School cultivates a community that stimulates students to realize their highest potential. Outstanding academic and enrichment opportunities nurture a passion for lifelong learning, personal integrity, and respect for others. Discovery Days scheduled for October 20th, November 7th, December 6th, January 9th, February 21st, and April 11th. Upper School event on November 1st. Private family tours and virtual introductions are also available.
Holy Trinity: An Episcopal School 13106 Annapolis Road, Bowie (Primary School); 11902 Daisy Lane, Glenn Dale (Daisy Lane School & High School Prep); 301-262-5355 or 301-464-3215; htrinity.org; Holy Trinity features the Primary School campus for grades 1-4, while The Daisy Lane School and High School Prep campus houses preschool and kindergarten and grades 5–8. Open House is set for October 20th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and February 9th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Indian Creek School 1130 Anne Chambers Way, Crownsville; 410-849-5151; indiancreekschool.org; Indian Creek is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school located on a 114-acre campus in Crownsville. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections. Open House dates: October 10th (Middle & Upper school students admission tours begin), October 16th (Shadow visits begin), November 2nd and December 14th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the Upper School, November 9th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for the Lower School, and November 14th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for the Middle School.
Kent School 6788 Wilkins Lane, Chestertown; 410-778-4100; kentschool.org; Kent School is a regional, independent day school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Contact the school directly for your individual tour.
Key School 534 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis; 410-263-9231; keyschool.org; Key School is a coeducational, progressive, college-preparatory day school with a picturesque 15-acre campus located in Hillsmere Shores and a 70-acre athletic park located in Annapolis Roads. Information Sessions are scheduled for October 16th from 9:00 to 9:45 with an optional tour from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. for the lower school and October 24th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the upper school. The first school open house is November 4th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and the middle school open house will be the same day from 10 a.m. to noon.
Maryvale Preparatory School 11300 Falls Road, Lutherville; 410-252-3366; maryvale.com; As a school, we are steadfast in our goal to prepare girls to be the next generation of leaders for a new world. Our size, resources, commitment to innovation and highly personalized partnership with each student and parent in the Maryvale community allow us to continue to deliver on this goal now and in the future. Meet Maryvale on October 19th and November 9th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
McDonogh School 8600 McDonogh Road, Owings Mills; 410-363-0600; mcdonogh.org; Embracing diversity of background, culture, and thought, the school builds upon its founder’s original mission to provide life-altering opportunities and to develop in students the will “to do the greatest possible amount of good.” Weekday admissions tours beginning in September. Please check mcdonogh.org for dates and times.
Monsignor Slade Catholic School 120 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie; 410-766-7130; msladeschool.com; Monsignor Slade is part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and located in northern Anne Arundel County on a 10.5-acre campus. Open Houses scheduled for November 10th from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and January 28th, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Montessori International Children’s House 1641 N. Winchester Road, Annapolis; 410-757-7789; montessoriinternational.org; Recognized by the Association Montessori International, Montessori International Children’s House educates students ages 18 months through 6th grade. Extended Day Available. Please contact the school directly for information on tours and observations.
Naval Academy Primary School 74 Greenbury Point Road, Annapolis; 410-757-3090; napschool.org; Naval Academy Primary School is an independent, co-educational school with ties to the U.S. Naval Academy, serving civilian and military families alike. Open House will be on November 5th and January 28th, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Odenton Christian School 8410 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton; 410-305-2380; ocs.odentonbaptist.org; Odenton Christian School follows the A Beka curriculum. In addition, OCS offers many real-world electives. Contact school directly for guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
Radcliffe Creek School 201 Talbot Boulevard, Chestertown; 410-778-8150; radcliffecreekschool.org; Radcliffe Creek School focuses its curriculum on multi-sensory learning. It serves students from Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Dorchester, Cecil, Caroline, and Anne Arundel counties. Open House events are scheduled for October 24th at 9am and January 25th at 9am. Please contact the school directly for more immediate guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
Rockbridge Academy 680 Evergreen Road, Crownsville; 410-923-1171; rockbridge.org; A K–12 classical Christian school based on the centrality of Christ in all things, including the education of children. “Using the trivium, an age-old proven classical methodology, outcomes speak for themselves. Root them in love; surround them in truth; ready them for the world. Come, join our loving, supportive community.” Open Houses on October 9th and February 5th, 2024. Preview Night will be November 10, 2023. Shadow days offered to prospective applicants in grades 4 and higher for half or full days. Parents can reach out to admissions@rockbridge.org to schedule a date after October 1st.
Roland Park Country School 5204 Roland Avenue Baltimore; 410-323-5500; rpcs.org; RPCS is an independent school for girls in Grades K–12, with a coed preschool (Little Reds) for children 6 weeks through 5 years. Open house is scheduled for September 30th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Day School 4B Wallace Manor Road, Edgewater; 410-266-0952; school.standrewsum.org; Saint Andrew’s is an independent school located on a 20-acre campus and offers engaging After School Enrichment Programs. Open House scheduled for October 26th from 9 to 11 a.m.
St. Anne’s School of Annapolis 3112 Arundel on the Bay Road, Annapolis; 410-263-8650; st.annesschool.org; St. Anne’s invests in the intellectual and spiritual promise of each student in a community that celebrates diversity and upholds the dignity of every human being. A virtual middle school (Fifth through Eighth Grade) Open House is on Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. In-person Open House dates are set for Wednesday, October 25th at 8:30 a.m. for middle school (Fifth through Eighth Grade) and Thursday, October 26th at 8:30 a.m. for lower school (Kindergarten through Fourth Grade). Program for Young Children (Twos through Prekindergarten) open house set for Thursday, November 9th at 9:30 a.m. Email Haley DeMaria, Director of Admissions, at hdemaria@st.annesschool.org to inquire about our fall 2023 Open Houses or visit our website.
St. John the Evangelist School, 669 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park; 410-647-2283; stjohnspschool.org; Located on over thirty acres, St. John the Evangelist School offers rigorous academics in a nurturing environment for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Open Houses will be held on Tuesday, October 3rd and Tuesday, January 30th. Advance registration is required to attend both either event. Contact Lynne Fish at LFish@stjohnsp.org for guidance.
St. Margaret’s Day School 1605 Pleasant Plains Road, Annapolis; 410-757-2333; stmargaretsdayschool.org; St. Margaret’s Day School is located on the Broadneck peninsula on the historic campus of St. Margaret’s Church. The school is accredited by the National Association of the Education of Young Children. Fall Open House date is October 18th from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.
St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School 375-A Benfield Road, Severna Park; 410-647-7055; stmartinsmd.org; St. Martin’s combines aspects of the humanities, mathematics, arts, technology, and the sciences from, encouraging students to discover their potential while learning with confidence, compassion, and character. Open house scheduled for October 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Mary’s High School 113 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis; 410-263-3294; stmarysannapolis.org; As a Roman Catholic, parish high school, St. Mary’s is committed to honoring the dignity of each individual as a person created in the likeness of God. Open House Dates: Elementary School (Pre-K through Grade 8): Friday, November 3, 9 am; High School (Grades 9 through 12): Sunday, November 5, 2 pm
St. Timothy’s School 8400 Greenspring Avenue, Stevenson; 410-486-7401; stt.org; An all-girls, episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9–12, offering the globally respected IB curriculum “in a community of inquiry, creativity, and kindness.” Contact school directly for guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
St. Vincent Pallotti High School 113 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel; 301-725-3228; pallottihs.org; St. Vincent Pallotti High School is a college preparatory school in the Archdiocese of Washington, and serves students from Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties. Contact school directly for guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
Ss. Constantine & Helen Preschool 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis; 410-573-2078; sschschool.org; SSCH provides comprehensive, hands-on curriculums that inspire curiosity and exploration. Contact school directly for guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
Ss. Peter & Paul Elementary School 900 High Street, Easton; 410-822-2251; ssppeaston.org; Sts. Peter & Paul School is a college preparatory school, and is the only Catholic, PreK–12th grade school on the Eastern Shore. Open house events to be determined. Call school for details.
Ss. Peter & Paul High School 1212 S. Washington Street, Easton; 410-822-2275; ssppeaston.org; Sts. Peter & Paul School is a college preparatory school, and is the only Catholic, PreK–12th grade school on the Eastern Shore. Open house events to be determined. Call school for details.
School of the Incarnation 2601 Symphony Lane, Gambrills; 410-519-2285; schooloftheincarnation.org; Located on a 26-acre campus in central Anne Arundel County, School of the Incarnation is a coeducational school and operates under the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Open house is set for January 27th, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Severn School – Chesapeake Campus (Lower) 1185 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Arnold; 410-647-7700; severnschool.com; Severn School is a college preparatory school. The 4-acre lower campus offers an outdoor science learning center and learning pavilion. Open House scheduled for October 4th from 9 to 11 a.m.
Severn School – Teel Campus (Middle/Upper) 201 Water Street, Severna Park; 410-647-7700; severnschool.com; Severn School’s upper campus is situated on 19 acres, and offers the Stine Environmental Center, which is located along the Severn River. Open House scheduled for October 19th from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland 822 West Lake Avenue, Baltimore; 410-377-5192; boyslatinmd.com; Founded in 1844, Boys’ Latin School of Maryland is an all-boys independent school serving boys in grades K–12. Open house set for October 8th at 10 a.m. Register for Open House at boyslatinmd.com/admissions/openhouse
The Calverton School 300 Calverton School Road, Huntingtown; 410-535-0216; calvertonschool.org; Founded in 1967, The Calverton School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12. Calverton’s Open House is set for October 14th, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Country School 716 Goldsborough Street, Easton; 410-822-1935; countryschool.org; The Country School is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit school located near downtown Easton. Discovery days, campus tours, and open house events to be scheduled. Contact school directly for guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
The Gunston School 911 Gunston Road, Centreville; 410-758-0620; gunston.org; The Gunston School offers an intellectually rigorous, highly personalized, and nurturing college preparatory educational experience. Open House dates are set for October 15th, November 5th, January 21st, and April 28th. Virtual information sessions for the Chesapeake Watershed Semester will be hosted at 7 p.m. on October 19th and November 16th. Interested persons should contact Chesapeake Watershed Semester Director, Ronnie Vesnaver at rvesnaver@gunston.org for event details and meeting link.
The Summit School 664 E. Central Avenue, Edgewater; 410-798-0005; thesummitschool.org; Summit empowers bright students with dyslexia and other learning differences in grades 1–8. “Summit lays the foundation for success and students graduate from high school well above national averages. Find out what makes Summit’s program exceptional for students who learn differently.” This fall’s Open House dates are October 17th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in person, and October 24th and November 14th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. virtually.
Wye River Upper School 316 S. Commerce Street, Centreville; 410-758-2922; wyeriverupperschool.org; Wye River is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit school that serves students with dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, and other learning differences at their Centreville campus. Fall Open House dates are October 19th, 2023, January 11th, 2023, and March 14th, 2024.
College/Advanced Degree
Anne Arundel Community College 101 College Parkway, Arnold; 410-777-2222; aacc.edu; At Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), we believe you have the chance to redefine yourself at any age and at any point in your life. That’s why there’s something for everyone. Open house scheduled for November 1 at 5 p.m.
Chesapeake College 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills; 410-822-5400; chesapeake.edu; Chesapeake College is a comprehensive public two-year regional community college serving the educational needs of the residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Contact admissions@chesapeake.edu to schedule a tour or for more information.
Salisbury University 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury; 410-543-6000; salisbury.edu; We strive every day to create an environment that welcomes and supports all students – making them feel seen, heard, honored, included, challenged and celebrated. SU provides opportunities to collaborate, get inspired and find the true you. Contact school directly for guidance on visitations, tours, etc.
Washington College 300 Washington Ave., Chestertown; 410-778-2800; washcoll.edu; Washington College is Maryland’s premier small college and one of America’s best liberal arts colleges. Challenging academic programs with remarkable faculty and an array of experiential opportunities prepare students for successful careers and lives after graduation. Learn more about the value of a Washington education during the Fall Open House is on November 11.
Learning Centers
Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory 1 East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore; 667-208-6500; Peabody.jhu.edu; Whether you’re an advanced musician or dancer or you’re hoping to pick up an instrument for the first time, Peabody Preparatory is the perfect place for you! College Fair in the Peabody Library on Sunday, September 24th.
Maryland Hall 801 Chase Street, Annapolis; 410-263-5544; marylandhall.org; Dedicated to Art for All, Maryland Hall is the region’s cultural core, convening and engaging all people in arts experiences that strengthen community. We welcome, connect, and enrich all with inspiring arts experiences. Classes, performances, exhibits, and more available. Visit website for full schedule.
