NYC High School Tours: Do’s & Don’ts for Parents
Tour season is here, friends—and if you’re feeling like you need a hydration plan and a personal assistant just to manage the sign-ups, you’re not alone. Tours are a huge part of the NYC high school application process, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to help you survive, thrive, and maybe even enjoy them.
✅ Tour Do’s
Do sign up early. Popular tours fill quickly (think Taylor Swift ticket levels of stress). Mark your calendar. But, not all of them require sign-ups…just to keep us on our toes?
Do wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking. A lot. This is not the time to break in those new boots.
Do take notes. By the fourth tour, every school starts to blur. Write down impressions while they’re fresh.
Do observe as much as you ask. Look at student work on the walls, check the vibe in the hallways, and notice how teachers interact with students. Sometimes what you see tells you more than what you hear.
Do ask smart questions. Some examples:
How are students assessed (tests, projects, presentations)? What is the grading policy?
What supports are available for students with IEPs or 504 plans?
How does the school support mental health and well-being?
What AP, honors, or specialized programs are offered?
Do debrief right away. Ask your child how the school felt, not just what they saw.
🚫 Tour Don’ts
Don’t ask questions that are already on the slides. (“How many students go here?” “What time does school start?”) Those answers are on the website. Save your breath for better questions.
Don’t drag your kid to every tour. Pick the top contenders and tour those. Or pick styles of schools if you’re really lost on where to start (big, small, traditional, consortium) Their bandwidth matters, too. Take a break if need be.
Don’t panic if your child only likes the first school you see. First tour crushes are normal. You’re still building a balanced list though so keep on keeping on!
Don’t forget your role as advocate. Especially if your child has an IEP or 504. If there’s no special info session, ask directly about supports. You’re not being “that parent.” You’re doing your job.
Don’t expect perfection. The right school is about fit—not shiny facilities or fancy slideshows.
💡 Final Thought
NYC high school tours aren’t about winning an endurance race or asking the most questions. They’re about gathering enough information to figure out where your child can learn, grow, and find their people.
Take a deep breath. Pack a snack. For more tips and best practices for tours head to the podcast episode 12: Tour Season the other NYC Marathon, out now!
