Open House Secondary School: Key Tips for Parents and Students

The secondary school journey is just around the corner, and with the Open House Secondary School 2026 season here, it’s time to dive into exploring options with your child! Visiting open houses offers a great way to understand each school’s unique environment, culture, and programmes. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of the Open House Secondary School 2026 experience before, during, and after each visit to help you choose the best fit for your child’s secondary school journey.

Still deciding on your secondary school? Visiting Open Houses can give you real clarity. Here are the confirmed upcoming dates (more may be added):

28 Mar: Singapore Sports School
11 Apr: Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
11 Apr: Nanyang Girls’ High School
11 Apr: School of the Arts (SOTA)
18 Apr: Anglican High School
23 Apr: Pathlight (AMK)
25 Apr: Methodist Girls’ School
9 May: CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’

Do visit, ask questions, and get a feel of each school. We’ll share more updates if there are any.

Before: Setting Up for Success

Know What You Want to Ask

Start by having an open conversation with your child about what they’re looking forward to in secondary school. Discuss their strengths, interests, and any worries they might have. Then, work together to narrow down the priorities—whether it’s specific academic programmes, co-curricular activities, or the school environment itself. Make a list of questions based on these priorities so you’re ready to focus on what matters most during each Open House Secondary School 2026 visit.

Plan Your Open House Schedule

With Open House Secondary School 2026 events clustered on specific months, notably April, May, and November, planning is key! Since there is limited time, it is important to map out the schools your child is genuinely interested in. Choose a mix of schools that align with your child’s strengths and prelim scores, including a few where they may have a higher chance of being accepted based on previous cut-off points. This strategy helps maximise your Open House Secondary School 2026 visits and gives you the flexibility to evaluate a variety of options.

Virtual vs Physical Open Houses

While most schools are holding physical open houses during this November season, some may only have a virtual option. What is the difference in terms of experience?

• Physical Open Houses provide a hands-on experience. Walk the school grounds, see CCA boards, explore classrooms, and observe the school culture. This immersive experience offers a real feel of the learning environment in the Open House Secondary School 2026 season.
• Virtual Open Houses offer structured, information-packed sessions, usually including a Q&A. Schools often allow participants to submit questions in advance, so make use of this opportunity! Remember to register early on the school’s website to secure a spot.

During: Making the Most of the Visit

Be a Part of the Open House

Encourage your child to dive into the experience—try activities, talk to current students, teachers, and even school leaders if possible. This will help them picture themselves in the environment and build confidence about the transition to secondary school during the Open House Secondary School 2026 visits.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of mighty good questions you can bring along. 💪

💡General DSA Questions

• What qualities do successful DSA applicants usually show?

• How can a student stand out during a DSA trial or interview?

• What kind of academic profile is the school looking for in DSA students?

• Will students who haven’t represented their school in competitions still be considered?

• How does the school support students who may fall behind in their studies?

• What support is available for students’ mental wellbeing, especially those in DSA tracks?

• Can a student drop the DSA programme if their interests change?

• How does the school help students juggle both DSA commitments and national exams like the O-Levels or IP checkpoints?

⚽ Sports DSA Questions

• What’s the weekly training schedule like for sports DSA students?

• Are students expected to join school teams or take part in national competitions?

• What kind of sports facilities or coaching does the school offer?

• How does the school help if a student gets injured or experiences burnout?

• Are there pathways for students to pursue their sport professionally or at a higher level?

🎨 Arts DSA Questions (Visual / Performing)

• What should applicants include in their portfolio or performance?

• Are there regular showcases, concerts or exhibitions at the school?

• How does the school nurture students’ artistic growth — do they bring in guest artists or run workshops?

• How do students manage both higher-level art/music and their academic subjects?

• Can students explore more than one art form, or do they need to specialise?

🌟 Leadership DSA Questions

• What leadership roles are offered to DSA students in this track?

• How does the school help students grow as leaders — are there camps, mentorships or special programmes?

• What kinds of responsibilities do student leaders take on during the school year?

• How does the school evaluate leadership potential during the DSA selection process?

• Must applicants have formal leadership titles, or are other experiences also considered?

🧍‍♂️ Questions to Ask Current Students

Talking to students can give you the real story about school life — don’t miss this chance!

• What made you choose this school? Were you deciding between other schools too?

• What do you enjoy most about the school so far?

• What’s been the toughest part? How has the school supported you through it?

• Have you grown in your talent area since joining?

• Do you think you’ll continue pursuing this talent after secondary school? Why or why not?

• How do you manage schoolwork alongside your talent training?

• Do you attend extra training outside of school? How do you balance everything?

• Are you happy you came in via the DSA route?

• Do DSA students get treated differently in any way?

• What do you wish someone had told you before you applied?

• What advice would you give to a Primary 6 student applying in your DSA area?

Tip from Lil’ but Mighty Team: Use these as inspiration! Pick the ones that matter most to your family and your child’s journey — and don’t be shy to ask follow-up questions at the open house. A great question could lead to an even better opportunity. 🌱✨

Keep Time in Mind

Flexibility is key! Stick to your schedule but allow for slight changes if needed. With any spare time, you might be able to squeeze in an extra Open House Secondary School 2026 visit. Alternatively, if time runs short, focus on your priority schools and leave the rest for virtual tours or additional research later.

After: Reflecting and Strategising

Discuss What Stood Out

Once you have completed the Open House Secondary School 2026 visits, sit down with your child and discuss what they enjoyed most about each school. This discussion will help clarify their preferences and highlight the schools where they felt most comfortable.

Plan Strategically for the Application Process

With your impressions and reflections in hand, finalise your school choices strategically. Remember that your child will have six options, and the selection order matters if tie-breakers are needed. By listing their top preferences carefully, your child can increase their chances of landing a spot at a school they are excited to attend.

To aid you in navigating secondary school open house season 2026, here is a list of schools and information that you need to know regarding their open house such as dates, timings and modes!

Open House Secondary School Details