It is called an open house because the kids and family can come at any time during the open house. Orientation suggests fixed schedule.

Kind of like getting invited to an open house party. It does not mean that anyone can show up. Rather, the atmosphere is relaxed and no set schedule.

If it's not open, why do they call it an open house?

Serious question. They also have an orientation before school starts which is what most of the posters are describing.

Not sure if this helps, but in our district, there is a Kindergarten Open House which is held in the spring, before registration period begins. Unlike the "open house" right before the school year, which as MANY PPs have pointed out, is for enrolled kids to see their classroom and teacher, the Kindergarten Open House is designed to introduce prospective parents to the school. While the majority of folks attending have 4 year olds, the school would have absolutely no problem with you attending if you had a younger child who wouldn't be attending for a few years.
We aren't in FCPS, but perhaps they do something similar? Just want to add to the chorus of voices saying that right-before-school-starts open house is not really designed for what OP is seeking.

Remember, there's 100s of kids there -- who are already enrolled -- hoping to meet their teachers. It does a disservice to those already enrolled to try and tie up the teacher/administration/staff time (and the parents of already-enrolled students) when (I hope) they'd all be happy to see you at some other time.

You are getting concept of private school/preschool open houses confused with what a public school open house is. Private schools hold open houses to show off their school and basically market it to you.

A public school open house is a chance for parents of *enrolled* students get a chance to meet with their child's teacher,the principle, some extracurricular teachers, and to visit *their* child's classroom.

It's busy and the teacher generally likes to at least greet each child's parent. With up to 30 kids that's a lot of people to speak with in a short time. When I go, I don't visit all of the 2nd grade classrooms, I go only to my child's. It would be really odd to see someone roaming through varios rooms

13:38: What poster suggested it is a good time to visit? You will learn nothing about how the school is. It is not a good setting for anything other than seeing your classmates and meeting the teacher.

If you are unsure, call the school and ask.

Cops will be called if you are questioned/challenged and argue about your right to be there or give the questioner an "icky" feeling.

People can get very proctective around kids. And there have been incidents lately of "strange people" following kids around.

Finally, entering a pubic school when you have no business there is technically tresspassing.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's completely understandable that folks, including OP, thought that the open house would be a good time to visit the school. But several people have told you that it is not a good time to visit. Why do you keep pressing the point...just schedule another time to visit.

And several people have said it's a great time to visit.....go or not... whatever works for your.

...and don't forget to point your finger and laugh at the idiot that thinks the cops will be called

I think it's completely understandable that folks, including OP, thought that the open house would be a good time to visit the school. But several people have told you that it is not a good time to visit. Why do you keep pressing the point...just schedule another time to visit.

PP: The demographics are easily available on the FCPS website. Open house is not the best time to see a school, as it is chaotic. And unescorted strangers in a school is generally frowned upon, but will probably not be noticed in the open house chaos.

Anonymous wrote:So, you want to find out if there are undesirables? Nice to see multiculuralism at work in FCPS.

Not the OP but another parent who was planning on checking out the open house for our elementary school. We are minorities and we are interested in visiting the school.

Anonymous wrote:I can almost garentee that if you are identified as someone without connection to the school, the police will be called. You will be questioned, and released. The thing is, all it takes is one wrong person to hurt a kid.

My eyes rolled so hard they did 2 loops!

Anonymous wrote:So, you want to find out if there are undesirables? Nice to see multiculuralism at work in FCPS.

Please do not put words into my mouth. I want to get a feel for the community besides the handful of people we know in our immediate neighborhood.

Anonymous wrote:Our school also has other gatherings which might be more in tuned to what you're looking for. For instance there was an international night and a movie night. Those would be better places to go with a neighbor and get a feel for the school community.

Would we be more welcome to a school event? I would think it is odd for non-student family to attend a school vs an open house.

So, you want to find out if there are undesirables? Nice to see multiculuralism at work in FCPS.