Open House Checklist: 12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Introduction

One of the most crucial choices parents make for their child's early years is selecting the best preschool.  Finding a place where your child feels safe, loved, and motivated to learn is more important than academics.  An open house can help with that.

An open house provides parents with a genuine look at a school's operations, including the classrooms, instructional strategies, and interactions between teachers and students.  This is your chance to explore the surroundings, ask questions, and determine whether the school meets your expectations.

We'll go over 12 crucial questions to ask at a preschool open house in this blog.  You can choose the best preschool in Whitefield for your child with confidence by using these to assess everything from safety, curriculum, and admissions to the Montessori philosophy and teacher quality.

Why Open Houses Matter for Parents

Open houses allow parents to go beyond brochures and websites. They help you experience the school’s classrooms, play spaces, and atmosphere first-hand. When you walk into a Montessori classroom, you can observe how children interact, how teachers guide them, and how the space encourages independent learning.

It’s also your chance to talk directly with the teachers and school heads to understand their teaching philosophy, daily routines, and how they handle real classroom situations.

A good preschool doesn’t just tell you what they do. They show you.
 You’ll see the warmth of teacher-student interactions, the joy in learning, and how the school prioritizes child development over rote learning.

For Example: Visiting a preschool in Whitefield during an open house helps parents make confident decisions about their child’s early education.

Understanding the Montessori Philosophy

The main benefit of visiting a Montessori school in Bangalore is to know how the teachers and officials are making use of the Montessori technique. You can question the instructors about:

• The different ways you implement Montessori ideas on  a daily basis?
• How is the promotion of self reliance and experiential learning inside the classrooms?
• How do you balance both academics and other extra curricular activities/play?

The Montessori method helps and encourages the children to learn through movement, discovery and innovation by emphasizing self-reliance, focus and self control.  A genuine Montessori setting has kid-sized furniture, well chosen materials, and a serene, intentional ambiance.

When you attend an open house, notice how teachers interact with children. Do they guide rather than instruct? Are the materials designed for self-learning? These cues reflect authentic Montessori practice.

For Example: A Montessori preschool in Bangalore blends academic learning with play to build confident young learners who love discovering new things every day.

Teacher Qualifications & Student-Teacher Ratio

Teachers are the heart of every preschool. During the open house, take time to ask about their qualifications and experience.

• Are the teachers Montessori-certified?
• How long have they been teaching young children?
• What is the teacher-to-student ratio?

A low student-teacher ratio ensures every child gets personal attention. It allows teachers to observe and support each child’s unique learning journey - a core Montessori principle.

Watch how teachers communicate with children during your visit. Are they patient, calm, and encouraging? These small details reveal a lot about the school’s teaching quality and classroom culture.

For Example: The best Montessori preschool in Whitefield ensures every child receives focused guidance and support during their crucial early years.

Safety, Security & Facilities

A school’s environment must feel safe and welcoming, both for children and parents. When you visit, pay close attention to:

• Hygiene standards in classrooms and washrooms
• CCTV coverage and secure entry/exit points
• Clean, well-maintained play areas
• Age-appropriate toys and learning materials

Ask how the school handles emergencies and what measures are in place for child safety. The school’s transparency and readiness in these matters reflect how seriously they value your child’s wellbeing.

A trusted Montessori playschool in Whitefield provides a nurturing and safe learning environment where children thrive with confidence.

Curriculum, Play & Daily Schedule

A great preschool experience is one that balances structure with freedom. During the open house, ask to see the daily schedule it should include a healthy mix of Montessori work cycles, creative play, outdoor time, story sessions, and group activities.

Check how the curriculum supports different areas of development - language, motor, cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Montessori classrooms often integrate life skills like gardening, cooking, or caring for materials - teaching children independence and responsibility.

Location, Timings & Accessibility

For parents in bustling neighborhoods like Whitefield, location and convenience play a big role. Consider how easily the school can be accessed from your home or workplace, and ask about pickup/drop facilities if available.

Flexible timings can also be a blessing for working parents. A preschool that’s easily accessible saves time and stress and makes daily routines smoother for both parent and child.

Fees, Admissions & School Policies

Transparency in communication is key when it comes to admissions. During the open house, don’t hesitate to ask:

• What’s included in the fee structure?
• Are there any additional activity or material costs?
• What are the steps in the admission process?

A good school will walk you through every detail clearly - from inquiry and school visit to enrollment. At Linden Montessori, for example, admissions are designed to be simple and parent-friendly, with dedicated staff to guide you through each step.

The best Montessori preschools in Whitefield make the admission process simple and stress-free for parents.

Conclusion

Attending an open house is one of the most effective ways to understand if a preschool truly fits your child’s needs. It allows you to observe classrooms, talk to teachers, and ask questions that reveal the school’s values and methods.

Remember, you’re not just choosing a school, you’re choosing a foundation for your child’s lifelong love of learning.

By asking the right questions during your visit, you’ll gain the clarity you need to make a confident choice.

If you’re searching for a preschool in Whitefield or a Montessori preschool in Bangalore, schedule a visit to Linden Montessori today and experience firsthand how joyful, independent learning begins here.