You’re browsing the websites of schools in the neighborhood, and open house dates are piling up in your calendar. You’re unsure about the key points to discuss during your first meeting and worry you might overlook important topics. How can you approach a school information session and make the most of it for your child?
A preschool information session is designed to help you understand a school’s daily routine, educational philosophy, and admission process. To prepare effectively in ten minutes, jot down three family priorities. Review the school’s presentation and make a list of your questions about the daily schedule, communication, and supervision.
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A school information session provides an initial overview of the school environment and the educational program offered to students. It gives you the opportunity to hear a presentation from the administration, observe the staff’s approach, and understand how the school operates in general. Answers to key questions should be clearly provided during this session.
This group information session is a key step in your research process. During the session, you’ll learn how the school implements its curriculum, manages the children’s daily routines, and welcomes new families. Our group information sessions provide an opportunity to understand our educational philosophy before visiting a school.
Beyond purely logistical considerations, this meeting serves to assess how the educational vision is put into practice on a daily basis. You’ll get a sense of the emphasis placed on independence, personal growth, and respect for each child’s individual pace. It’s an opportunity to ensure that the values of your household align with the methods used in the classroom.
To plan ahead, find out when to enroll your child in preschool.
Preparing your questions in advance ensures that you’ll cover the practical topics that shape a kindergarten student’s day. Writing a simple list helps you avoid forgetting key points in the middle of the conversation.
To ensure that all of your child's needs are met, here are the key areas to consider before attending the presentation:
Effective preparation also requires gathering all the necessary paperwork in advance and verifying that the application files are complete. You can read our article on the documents required for enrollment in a private schoolto help you prepare for the process with confidence.
Beyond the usual questions about the cafeteria or class schedules, certain questions—which can actually reveal a lot—are often left out of public meetings. Asking them will give you a genuine sense of the learning environment and the school’s educational approach.
The first question—one that is all too often overlooked—concerns how the staff handles emotions and moments of fatigue. Ask specifically: How does the staff support a child who is experiencing frustration, anger, or extreme fatigue during the day? This demonstrates that the school truly listens to the child’s needs. It also helps avoid a rigid disciplinary approach.
The second question concerns interactions between children of different ages: How do you encourage cooperation among children at different levels within the classroom or during activities? This answer is crucial. It provides insight into how to implement active teaching methods based on tutoring and peer support. To learn more about our approach to these methods, please review the details of our educational program.
The third question concerns daily transitions and rituals: What specific measures are in place to ease the transition to school or prepare children for the move to elementary school? This support is essential. Providing personalized guidance during these periods of adjustment demonstrates a genuine commitment to the child’s well-being.
The format of the visit influences the type of information gathered and your direct perception of the location. Each option is designed to address a specific stage of your thought process.
An online presentation offers a major logistical advantage for working parents. It allows them to follow the presentation from home, ask questions through a chat feature, and understand the educational program without having to travel. It’s a very effective format.
An on-site visit offers an irreplaceable sensory and hands-on experience. You’ll get to see the layout of the spaces, the lighting in the classrooms, the quality of the educational materials, and the child-friendly furniture arrangement. At theÉcole M, the tour is led by the school principal or the admissions director, who will answer your questions and show you around the classrooms and facilities. It’s a special experience.
If you’d like to combine these two approaches, you can start with a group presentation online, then schedule a one-on-one meeting at our office. This will save you time. You can sign up for a session or schedule an appointment with our teambased on your availability.
The admissions process at theÉcole M consists of four steps: a no-obligation request for information, a presentation of the school by phone or during a videoconference information session, a visit to the school with your child, and finally, the completion of enrollment. This seamless process provides peace of mind for every family.
École M ’s information sessions give you the opportunity to learn about our educational program, the daily schedule, and the enrollment process, and to ask the teaching staff any questions you may have. They are held online, in French and English. Every question is answered.
