Blog: How to Have a Successful Preview Day (or any School Visit)

By Erin (Baltz) Riggs ’00, Director of Enrollment

Choosing your child’s next educational chapter is an exciting time. There’s a lot to think about from the academic program and community culture to the costs involved. Visiting schools is an excellent way to experience the school, especially Father Ryan. A school truly cannot come alive for you and your child until you set foot on campus, experience classes and activities, and meet the community.

Father Ryan is the largest private high school in Nashville, but our small class sizes averaging 16 students and our House System create inclusive, welcoming communities within our bigger school. When you visit a school in person, you get a “feeling” while you are there. Websites, viewbooks, and social media are great resources while researching schools, but nothing can replace your firsthand experience of the school’s culture while on campus. Some of the things I often hear from families who visit with me are: “Your students look so happy,” “They seem comfortable here,” “Everyone is so friendly,” and “I can tell you really love it here.”

You should plan on visiting Father Ryan—and any school on your family’s list—a few times and at different events. Some of the ways you can visit schools:

• A personalized tour, arranged with the Admissions Office
• Visit Days and Preview Days, usually held on a weekend, when many prospective families come to see the school.

At Father Ryan, we have many other ways to visit through our schedule of Junior Irish events, which are open to all families, or by attending an Athletic, Visual, or Performing Art event during the school year. One of our signature service programs, Relay For Life, is also open to families who are considering Father Ryan. We’re the largest student-run Relay For Life event in the world and have been recognized by the American Cancer Society with the first-ever Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Award for our commitment to the cause since 2010. Join us on November 2 at 12:00pm at Giacosa Stadium.  

Getting the Most out of School Preview Days or Open Houses

Large open-house-type of events can be great ways to experience a school. At Father Ryan, our Irish pride is on full display on Preview Day, our fall open house. You will meet our school leaders, faculty, coaches, and students and attend classes. These events are a great time to tour the campus and find out about specific academic, athletic, arts, service, and other programs.

Here are some tips on how to approach these larger admissions events:

Come with a Fresh Approach  

Let go of what you think you may know about the institution and approach the day with an open mind, ear, and heart.

Father Ryan is celebrating our 100^th year in 2024-2025. In those 100 years, we have educated students on three campuses under 16 different Principals and two Presidents. We were founded as an all-boys institution, were the first school in Tennessee to integrate in 1954, went coed in the 1970s, introduced a House System in 2020, and so much more.

If your perception of “Father Ryan High School” is from 15, 20, or 30 years ago, I encourage you to visit with a fresh perspective. We have so many special traditions that have remained, but we have also established many new traditions.

As a competitive leader in the independent school market in Nashville, we have adapted to intentionally serve the students of our generation.

Do your Research

Choosing a high school involves researching many variables to find the right fit for your child: academic programs; extracurricular activities; school culture and values, and more. Do a deep dive into the website, especially with academic programs and support services to know that your child’s academic strengths and needs will be met. Read the publications online, especially the school paper for student perspectives. Yes, ask your friends and family who have children at the school or recently graduated for an overview but understand that every child and every experience is unique.

Ask Questions at Preview Day

If you have questions or need more information about the school, don’t hesitate to meet with the faculty and staff associated with that program to get the answers you need. It’s why we’re here. Your questions are key to finding the best school match for your child.

As Director of Enrollment, I am often asked, “How does Father Ryan make its admissions decisions?” We take a thorough approach to reviewing each application, considering academics, teacher recommendations, and the individual as a whole.

As the largest private school in Nashville, we are able to offer acceptance to many students interested in a Father Ryan education. However, the main driving force behind our acceptance process is based on the fact that, as a Catholic institution, it is our mission, and the mission of the church, to provide a Catholic education to all who seek it.

It is not our goal to only accept students who are at the top of their class academically, though we do. It is our goal to open our arms to students of all talents and abilities—who excel in athletics, arts, service, and other areas—and provide them with a rigorous and supportive academic environment because we value the whole child. This is why our academic program offers four levels of learning.

At Preview Day and through other school visits, you will see this ethos at work when you meet our students. Father Ryan’s mission is to “be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.” Wherever you meet a Father Ryan student, they are living out this mission.

If you have questions after Preview Day or any school visit, email or call the admissions office. We want to ensure all your questions are answered!

Have Fun, Be Present, and Show Up on Time 

At Preview Day (or individual tours), try to relax and take it all in. There will be time later to compare or to make a pros and cons list. But, on your visit, be in the moment and enjoy. You’ll hear from many voices, especially our keynote address by our President and Principal for a glimpse into our school’s mission and vision, so you won’t want to miss it!

I always tell families that you have to make the best high school decision for your family and for your child, but you don’t have to make that decision today.

 

Are you registered for Preview Day? Please register before October 25. Register here.

Check out our digital viewbook with student profiles, videos, and more.

Contact me at riggse@fatherryan.org with any questions.