38 / matters magazine / fall 2018 OPEN HOUSE COME ON IN! Check out the Open House schedules for our private schools and preschools "At Open House at Oratory Prep, we respond to the ques- tion, “What do we value?” An authentic Catholic educa- tion. Engaged teaching. Purposeful innovation. Strong, stable leadership. Intellectualism. Academic growth. Respect. Diversity. Matriculations to the best colleges/uni- versities. Just ask us. We’ll show you." Thomas R. Boniello, Director of Admissions "Research the terminology in order to truly understand what a school puts focus on. Some buzzwords might sound straightforward (play-based, social and emotional learning, teacher-directed, academic, child-led), but there is a lot of detail around each one. Learn which elements are most important to you, then you’ll be prepared to ask the right questions." Christy Zolty, Director “When attending open houses, take a look at the students: are they joyful and happily engaged in learning? How do YOU feel when you first walk onto campus? These are all indicators of whether a school is the right fit for your family." Emi Ithen, Director of Admissions “Golda Och Academy is more than a place to learn, it is a community. When you visit a school, look for engaging teachers and engaged students. Ask to speak to current families to get their perspective.” Micah Dov Gottlieb, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management get the most from an open house: Advice from school leaders "Bring your children to our “block party” open house. Our open house gives you an opportunity to explore our beautiful classrooms, meet our teachers, and to engage in conversation with current preschool families." Cynthia Hicks, Director “Open houses and tours give you an opportunity to observe the classroom interactions between children and teachers, explore the center materials, and interact with our teachers.” Annemarie Maini, Director SCHOOL/CONTACT OPEN HOUSE DATES Best in Class Education 71Valley Street, Suite 200, South Orange Dr.Alissa Gardenhire 908-209-8923 bestinclasseducation.com October 23, 6 - 8 p.m., and by appointment Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road, Short Hills Emi Ithen, Director of Admissions 973-379-3442 farbrook.org October 26, 8:30 a.m. - noon or please call to schedule a personal tour. Geralyn’s 103 Baker Street, Maplewood Geralyn Robinson, Owner 973-275-1966 geralynsartstudio.com Please call to schedule a visit. Golda Och Academy Wilf Lower School Campus, Grades Pre-K through 5 122 Gregory Avenue,West Orange Mara Suskauer, Director of Admissions, Lower School 973-602-3757 Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus, Grades 6 through 12 1418 PleasantValley Way,West Orange Micah Dov Gottlieb, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management 973-602-3645 goldaochacademy.org 9th Grade Lower School October 30, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. December 3, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Middle School October 25, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. December 6, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. High School October 19, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. November 2, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. November 16, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. Kent Place School 42 Norwood Avenue, Summit Julia Wall, Director of Admission 908-273-0900, ext. 254 kentplace.org/admission/dates All School (Preschool - Grade 12) October 28, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Coed Preschool Saturday (bring your child!) November 17 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. K - Grade 12 November 17, 10:00 a.m. - noon Maplewood Outside School South Orange Reservation, Maplewood Christy Zolty, Director 973-913-4792 maplewoodoutsideschool.com Call or email to schedule a tour so that you can meet our teachers and see our school, Children are welcome to join. Millburn Cooperative Nursery School 951 Ridgewood Road, Millburn Eileen Gefell and Adrienne Topping, Directors 973-379-2778 millburncoop.org Sensory Play Saturdays: October 6, 10-11:30 a.m. December 1, 10-11:30 a.m. Morrow Memorial Preschool 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood Cynthia Hicks, Director 973-763-5460 morrowpreschool.org November 3. Visit our website to schedule a tour. “During open house, ask yourself, 'Do students seem engaged and excited about their school?' 'Do the teachers seem to be experts in their field and passionate about their work?' 'Does the school seem invested in resources that allow for innova- tion and creativity to thrive?' These are critical markers of an excellent school community.” Julia Wall, Director of Admission "Be sure to visit two or three schools and pick the school that best fits your family values." Carol Paster, Director