In our 36 years of helping Catholic schools and parishes flourish, one truth stands out: there is no single event that can activate your community and communicate your mission as powerfully as a well-executed Open House.
Too often, however, schools view Open House as a one-off recruitment night. The real value is far broader—it is an opportunity to foster belonging, deepen engagement, and lay down the roadways that invite new families, students, and supporters into your mission.
Why an Open House Matters
Open House is not just about showcasing facilities or sharing test scores. It is, at its heart, an embodiment of Catholic hospitality and culture—a living sign that “all are welcome” and that your school is a place where faith, learning, and community meet. When we put relationships at the center of this event, focusing on personal connection and meaningful involvement, the impact can be truly transformative.
The Real Impact of an Open House
| Real Value | Impact |
|---|---|
| Meaningful involvement of people | Boosts sense of belonging, leads to deeper investment |
| Communicating unique Catholic identity | Differentiates your school in a crowded marketplace |
| Activation of the broader community | Expands your ripples beyond the “usual” volunteers |
| Provides data for continuous improvement | Drives better communication, strategic messaging |
But this doesn’t happen by accident. The schools with the most successful Open Houses invest in careful planning and intentional execution. Here are several proven strategies that will help you turn your next event into a true community catalyst:
Proven Strategies for a Successful Open House
- Set Clear Outcomes with Your Team.
Before sending a single invitation, gather your leadership (or your Development Executive Committee)—administrators, faculty, parents, alumni—and establish what success will look like. Are you measuring new inquiries? Number of phone calls? Number of people who sign-up? (I know this is hard to believe, but we have one school who measures their success by the number of cookies that are eaten at the “closing social.” They contend that happy and satisfied “customers” don’t want to leave. They want to linger and eat a few sweets!) Setting these outcomes in advance focuses your efforts and creates a shared sense of purpose. - Craft and Share Your Key Messages.
Decide what makes your school unique. What’s your “WOW”? What are your Top 10 message points? Make sure every ambassador, tour guide, and speaker can communicate these consistently. Remember, don’t just share features—always link them to benefits: “Our daily Mass isn’t just tradition, it’s the heart of our community.” - Make it Personal.
Mass emails and social media posts are useful, but nothing replaces the power of a personal invitation. Equip your staff, parent ambassadors, and students to reach out personally—whether at Mass, at pick-up, or by phone. Follow up with a handwritten note or a welcoming text. - Involve Your Entire Community.
A great Open House harnesses the energy of all stakeholders: students as greeters, parents as tour guides, alums sharing testimonials. This peer-to-peer involvement fosters authentic conversations and allows prospective families to see themselves in your community. - Focus on Experience, Not Just Information.
Think interactive: science demos, art projects, musical performances—hands-on activities that animate your core values. Ensure there’s space for casual conversation, questions, and storytelling, not just presentations. - Provide a Cohesive Take-Home Packet.
Rather than overloading guests with loose paperwork, create an attractive folder including your school brochure, FAQ, testimonial video link, and a simple next-steps card. A small, branded gift or invitation to a “bring-a-friend” event or shadow day can encourage further connection.
Closing Thought
The true success of an Open House is not just in the numbers, but in how people leave: Do they feel seen, welcomed, and valued? Do they have a clearer understanding of your mission and know that they belong? When we remember that development is first and foremost about involving people in our vision for the future, the Open House becomes a cornerstone of building the Kingdom right where we are.
Let’s continually seek new ways to make everyone feel, “This is a place for me.” That’s the real value—and the possibility—of every Catholic school Open House.
