Six Questions Parents Forget to Ask at Open House

-Samoy Mainda, CEAM Parent Outreach, Kansas City area

As a parent, I remember going to open house thinking it was simply an opportunity to meet my children’s teachers, find their classrooms, and listen to the presentation. I didn’t realize there were important questions I should be asking or conversations that could help set the tone for the entire school year. 

I wasn’t alone. Many parents attend Open House, listen to the teacher’s presentation, and head home without asking questions.

As I began talking with other parents, doing my own research, and becoming more involved, I learned that open house is really about building a partnership. I started sharing my expectations while also asking teachers about theirs, and together we established a plan for staying connected throughout the year. All of it together has completely changed the way I approach every open house, and I hope it encourages you to do the same.

Here are six questions parents should remember to ask at Open House:

1. What are the most important learning goals for my child this year?

Ask what your child will be learning in reading, math, writing, and other core subjects. Understanding these goals allows you to reinforce learning at home and recognize areas where your child may need additional support.

2. What assessments will my child take this year, and how can I understand the results?

Ask what assessments your child will take, when they are given, what they measure, how you will receive the results, and how those results can be used to support learning at home.

3. What is the best way for us to communicate throughout the school year?

Ask the teacher about their preferred method of communication, expected response times, and how they will notify you if your child needs additional academic or behavioral support. For my family, this even included setting up weekly check-ins with my children’s teachers that allow us to celebrate successes, address concerns early, and work together as a team to support my children’s growth. 

4. What are your classroom expectations?

Understanding classroom routines and expectations helps parents to create consistency between school and home. Ask how positive behavior is encouraged, how concerns are communicated, and what you can reinforce at home.

5. How can our family stay involved throughout the school year?

Learn about about volunteer opportunities, classroom needs, school events, and ways your family can support learning. Even small acts of involvement show children that education is a priority.

6. What can we do at home to help our child have a successful year?

Find out what skills to practice at home, recommended resources, and routines that encourage organization, responsibility, and confidence.

Bonus: One Final Question to Ask Yourself

How can I be an active partner in my child’s education this year? 

When parents stay engaged, ask thoughtful questions, understand their child’s progress, and maintain open communication with teachers, they become powerful advocates for their child’s education.

Remember, Open House is more than an opportunity to find your child’s classroom or meet their teacher—it’s your first chance to begin building a partnership that can positively impact your child’s success throughout the school year.

At the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM), we believe informed and engaged families are one of a child’s greatest resources. We encourage parents to leave their open house with a plan to stay connected, ask questions throughout the year, and work alongside your child’s teacher.