Our DD went in for third - also horrified at leaving public school- and loved the visit. So much so that she remembered the names of, and details about, every teacher she met that day. She was sure she wanted Holton - the only school we ended up looking at - and was very confident and happy on the test day. That she remembered some of the adults' names and reintroduced herself very politely was probably noticed. She's now been there for years and we love the school. If it's a good fit, your DD will feel it and from there it would be great for your DD to be confident during her remaining visits.

OP here -- applying for 4th. Sounds like it will be like the 3rd grade visit day you describe.
Sorry to hear she wasn't admitted. It's a tough and random process so far as I can tell.

Depends on what grade you are applying for. We applied for grade 3 last year and they had all of the 3rd grade applicants go on the same day for about 2 - 2 1/2 hrs and they had them do various activities with the teachers. There was no interaction with current students, no seeing what the actual school day was like. Meanwhile the school put on a presentation for the parents who chose to wait. DD liked the school and her visit, but she did not get accepted. Interestingly, DD was accepted at every school we applied to where they did individual visits and had her with current students for part of the school day.

OP here -- thanks so much for the helpful reply!

It is a shadow day. They usually go until noon, sometimes later. They can wear any clothes. My daughter wore khakis and a sweater. They pair them up with another girl in the same grade and they go to those girl's classes. They will make sure you see the good classes, not many specials. They have lunch and if they are lower school, go to recess. The girls LOVE the girls that come and shadow. They will make her feel very welcome. So do the teachers. My daughter was absolutely against leaving her public but after 3 shadow days at other schools, she loved Holton the best and was so excited to apply there. She talked non-stop about her day when I picked her up. We have been there 3 years and love it. Good Luck!

What grade are you applying for?

We are applying to Holton Arms among other schools for next year. They have a "visit day" in January for applicants. It's not testing (I don't think) because testing is on another day. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Thanks!