Will most schools let you visit if you're considering moving to the area?

[Anonymous]

We are researching neighborhoods to buy a home in and are buying on a tight budget for this area (under $400,000). We want to get the best public schools we can in an area we can afford. Neither my husband or I really know that many people with kids in school so we don't have much word of mouth advice. I don't trust on-line opinions or school stats to tell the whole story (no offense!). Will most schools let people come and look around to observe the physical condition of the school, classroom size, demographics, and to just get a vibe for how it's run? Seems like the best way to research a school, but I'm thinking that for security reasons or distractions for the students it might not be allowed.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have set up and arranged school tours with a couple different FCPS schools. But it was a school we were already zoned for (we were considering base school vs private and then an AAP Center vs base school).

The worst that happens is you call and ask and they say no.

[Anonymous]

I would call and ask. I did this in Massachusetts and was never turned down.

[Anonymous]

For MCPS I think I went to open houses at a couple of different elementary schools that were meant for future parents, but they never asked if you were in district.

[Anonymous]

Most MCPS schools have open houses on Columbus Day. The are primarily designed for current parents but it might be good for persepctives too..