Bengaluru: Choosing a school is not child’s play. For parents weighing admission options, glossy brochures, campus tours and promises of holistic education may not be enough. They want to see how a school thinks, feels and functions, and whether their children will thrive there.With the admission season kicking off, several city schools are opening their campuses to the public through events that give prospective families a taste of their educational philosophy, culture and community. From traditional Bengaluru games to skateboarding, fitness, woodworking and discussions on global affairs, these initiatives offer parents and children a preview of school life and help them make informed choices.School of India, Bannerghetta Road, recently hosted ‘Old Bangalore Vibes’, an event for children aged three to eight and their parents. Activities included hopscotch, Chowka Bhara and clay modelling.“It was an opportunity for families to reconnect with Bengaluru’s cultural heritage while experiencing the spirit of School of India. Rather than relying on traditional marketing approaches, we wanted to create a space where parents and children could engage with us in a meaningful and enjoyable way,” said Uma Maheshwari, a faculty member.The event reflected the school’s emphasis on cultural rootedness, experiential learning and community. “The overwhelming response was heartwarming and reinforced our belief that authentic experiences can communicate far more about a school’s philosophy than conventional outreach,” she added.At School of Raya, on Hennur-Bagalur road, public events aim to bring the school and the wider community together, with attracting prospective parents being just one objective. “A school is a part of its community. At Raya, we believe learning happens when people come together, participate, explore and contribute. Inculcating interest in the school is only one part of it,” said Ambica, outbound and enrichment coordinator.The Unbusy Project brings women together through fitness and well-being, while Rumble Skate attracts professional and amateur skateboarders. The school’s model G20 initiative allows students to engage with global issues and encounter different perspectives.Anandi School on Sarjapur Road offers masterclasses, global programmes and private previews for students. Activities range from building electronic products and working in a woodworking lab to hands-on sessions inspired by films. “It is important that children like the school they are moving to. We hope these activities excite students about school and thus make transitions easier,” said Prachi Pawar, the school’s founder.Stonehill International School also uses public events to showcase the school’s philosophy, giving the community a deeper understanding of how the school thinks. “At Stonehill, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom. Our events and initiatives create opportunities for students and families to put our values into action, while opening our doors to the wider public,” said Joe Lumsden, head of school.For parents, these events offer more than a look at classrooms and facilities. They can observe how children interact with the campus, which activities spark their curiosity and whether the school’s approach suits their family. For schools, the events provide an opportunity to build relationships with prospective families through shared experiences rather than sales pitches.
