Before You Come: 8 Questions Parents Should Ask Before Attending a School Fair

Attending a school fair can save parents hours of online research—but only if you arrive prepared.

With more than 70 schools participating in the BSF/LSF School Fair, parents have an opportunity to meet school representatives, compare educational options, ask questions, learn about financial aid, and attend workshops that address the admissions process.

But a large number of choices can also be overwhelming.

Before you come, take a little time to think about what you want to learn. The questions below can help you make the most of your afternoon.

1. What makes a school fair different from simply researching schools online?

Online research is useful, but it can be difficult to compare schools when information is spread across dozens of websites.

At a school fair, you can meet representatives from multiple schools in one place. You can ask follow-up questions, hear how schools describe themselves, compare answers, and get information about admissions and financial aid directly from school representatives.

The BSF/LSF School Fair also offers expert workshops, giving parents an opportunity to learn about topics such as admissions, financial aid, school selection, and independent-school testing.

The Fair runs from 2:00–5:00 PM, with three workshop periods, so parents can combine school exploration with educational sessions.

Why ask this question?
Knowing what you want to accomplish helps you use your time strategically rather than simply walking from table to table.

2. Which schools might be right for my child?

More than 70 schools can provide a lot of choices—but it can also feel like too many.

Before the Fair, think about your child rather than starting with the school list.

Consider:

• What grade is your child entering?
• What are your child's academic strengths and needs?
• What subjects or activities interest your child?
• What type of learning environment seems to work well?
• What kind of school community might be a good fit?
• What are your child's educational goals?

You don't have to determine the perfect school before attending the Fair. Instead, use these questions to narrow the field and identify schools you want to investigate further.

The Fair's "Five Tips for Finding the Right School for Your Child" workshop is designed to help parents think through this process.

Why ask this question?
The goal isn't to visit every school. It's to identify the schools that deserve a closer look.

3. Do I know what type of school I'm looking for?

Before you arrive, identify both your child's current grade and the grade you are seeking.

Then consider the types of schools that might be appropriate. Depending on your child's needs and your family's preferences, you may want to explore:

• Independent schools
• Catholic schools
• Montessori schools
• Specialized schools
• Day schools
• Boarding schools
• Other educational options

You don't necessarily have to rule out options before the Fair. In fact, one benefit of attending is discovering possibilities you may not have considered.

Why ask this question?
Having a general idea of what you're looking for makes it easier to recognize promising options when you encounter them.

4. What questions should I ask school representatives?

Don't rely on the school representative to tell you everything you need to know. Prepare a short list of questions before you arrive.

You might ask:

• What grades do you serve?
• What are you looking for in applicants?
• What is your application deadline?
• What entrance tests are required?
• How much does tuition cost?
• What financial aid is available?
• What percentage of families receive financial aid?
• What makes your school different from other schools?

You may also want to ask questions specific to your child. For example, if your child has a particular academic interest, extracurricular interest, or learning need, ask how the school addresses it.

Why ask this question?
Asking the same core questions at several schools makes it easier to compare what you learn.

5. What should I ask about financial aid?

If tuition is a concern, ask about it.

The cost of an independent-school education can be an important part of the decision, but tuition is not necessarily the same as the amount a family ultimately pays.

Ask schools about:

• Financial aid
• Scholarships
• Tuition assistance
• Payment plans
• Other forms of financial assistance
• Application deadlines for financial aid

You can also ask whether financial aid is available to new students and what percentage of families receive assistance.

Why ask this question?
Families sometimes eliminate schools based on published tuition without first finding out what financial assistance may be available.

6. Will someone explain the admissions process?

For families applying to an independent school for the first time, the admissions process can seem complicated.

Questions may include:

• When should we begin?
• What applications are required?
• What testing is required?
• What are the deadlines?
• What should parents expect during the admissions process?
• How should students prepare?

The Fair offers a "Completing the Admissions and Financial Aid Process" workshop to help parents understand the process.

The Fair also offers "Independent School Testing 101," which addresses tests including the SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT, along with test-preparation strategies.

Why ask this question?
Understanding the process early can help families avoid missed deadlines and prepare for the steps ahead.

7. Are there programs that can help families gain greater access to independent schools?

Some families may be interested in programs that provide additional pathways to independent, boarding, or other high-achieving schools.

The Fair includes sessions from A Better Chance (ABC) covering its programs and application process.

If your family is interested in opportunities beyond the schools you already know about, these sessions can be particularly useful.

Why ask this question?
The school that initially seems out of reach may have an admissions pathway, scholarship opportunity, or access program that you haven't considered.

8. Where is the Fair, and how will I get there?

Even the best preparation won't help if you arrive late or have difficulty finding the event.

The BSF/LSF School Fair is held at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The Van Ness-UDC Metro station is nearby.

Before coming, review the information provided by the Fair about:

• Metro access
• Parking
• Campus location
• Building entrance
• Accessibility
• Arrival and check-in

Planning your transportation in advance allows you to spend your time at the Fair meeting schools and attending workshops rather than figuring out logistics after you arrive.

Make a Plan Before You Come

You don't need to know everything before attending the Fair. You simply need to arrive with a plan.

Before you leave home, identify:

1. Your child's grade
Know the grade your child is entering.

2. Your priorities
Think about academics, activities, school environment, location, and other factors important to your family.

3. Your financial questions
Know what you need to understand about tuition and financial aid.

4. Your questions for schools
Bring a short list so y

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