We were also on this same tour (probably with the same kids who talked a bunch about their field trip). I really liked the model of student led tours but I wish an administrator could have been around more to move the kids along. They spent a lot of time talking about the older kids when we were interested in the PK classes. We didn't really get to see the PK classes and left impressed with the older grades but underwhelmed with PK. Bummed about this.

I would take seriously the comment that the way they run the tours is a reflection of the TR culture. If it rubs you the wrong way, I would look very carefully at other things about the program -- the curriculum, the instructional model, the team-based learning - to be sure it's really a good fit for you.

Signed, former TR parent who used to think she liked progressive education, and now is looking for traditional/classical curriculum

Well OP, you just got an example of something you dislike about the school. This is a charter school and this is how they run it. You didn't like it - so move on!

I get all the kid culture stuff and all that. I get it, it's obvious that they are a great school in many levels but, during open houses I would like to have the chance to ask questions I cannot ask anywhere else.

My DC was one of the kids giving the tour today at TR, and I agree with the OP. I've always thought that an adult should be there to answer the questions that the children, as cute and well-prepared to recite the mission statement as they can be, just don't know the answers to. It is TR culture though so you got a glimpse of that. TR places a very high value on public speaking and having the kids take the lead in presentations and meetings. The middle school students, for example, present their parents with a portfolio of their work during parent-teacher conferences rather than the teachers simply talking about how the child is doing.

I liked the student tours as well, though as with anything it can be luck of the draw. Last year two rivers was so so, while chml students blew me away.

I love the tour with kids. They are very honest and transparent and also give you a better sense of tge real culture of the school.

OP here. Funny thing is, I'm a HUGE FAN of teacher kids preference for enrollment.
If teachers cannot enroll their own kids it's HELL in their schedule. Do you imagine?

Oh man -I totally forgot about the teacher preference. I think charters will be even tougher to get into now.

OP here, i did stick to the Q&A afterwards. And it was good, even if it didn't provide the answer to the key question that every parent should now:
-How many of your available spots are taken by siblings?
-We'll know March 15th.
-As in ... 2 weeks AFTER the lottery.

(last year there were only 15 spots available but this year teachers' kids have preference so I'm not sure how that will reduce the number of available seats)

We had a Q&A session after the tour. Did you stick around for that or did they not offer one today?

Janney does a student led tour as well.

OP here, I want to lighten up. I do it all the time but if I am going to take 1+ hour during my work day (with horrid traffic because of weather) and I have to spend 30 minutes playing nice to a kid that has a quiet voice to recite things I can learn from the website. Well, yes, I can lighten up, I guess.
I have found that the most useful school tours are given by parent volunteers, they are always frank, honest and brutal when they have to.
You can't ask a kid about cost of field trips, fundraising, cost of lunches, waitlist, commute, etc. Having an adult would really really help.
So, far, best tours? Inspired Teaching and Mundo Verde... by FAR.

Lighten up.

I get the cuteness of the kids tours but, why?
It was a complete waste of time. I was not interested if she enjoyed her field trip (show a kid that doesn't?!). I wanted to ask specific, hard questions about schedule, teaching, fees, etc etc and... no... I couldn't.
I get it, the kids are cute, they are well rounded and educated. Like, obviously cherry picked but if I wanted to ask cute school questions I would ask my neighbor.
Why don't they have an adult to field the other questions?
Seems silly to me.