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What to Expect at a Private School Open House
Explore YCDS: Your Open House Guide
Attending an open house offers families a welcoming window into life at a private school. It’s a chance to step inside our classrooms, meet the dedicated teachers who inspire our students each day, and experience the academic programs that shape our school family. Children are always welcome to join—many families enjoy exploring campus together. To help you feel confident and excited for your visit, we’ve put together a guide with helpful tips, meaningful questions to consider, and a clear overview of what comes next.
We’d love for you to join us at York Country Day School’s Open House on January 25, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
RSVP Today
A Look at Your Open House Visit
We want you to feel right at home during your visit, from your first greeting to your final questions, so you can truly experience what life at YCDS feels like. Here’s a closer look at what a typical open house schedule includes:
1. Arrival & Check-In
As you arrive, our admissions team will warmly greet you and guide you through a quick check-in. You’ll receive name tags and have a moment to enjoy light refreshments as you get acquainted with other visiting families.
2. Warm Welcome from School Leaders
Once everyone has settled in, we’ll gather for a brief orientation outlining the afternoon’s schedule so you know what to expect. From there, you’ll be welcomed by school leaders—such as our Head of School, Division Heads, and the Admissions Team. They’ll share an overview of our school’s history, values, academic philosophy, and financial aid information, offering a meaningful first look at what makes the YCDS experience unique.
3. Guided Campus Tour
Your visit continues with a guided tour of our campus, offering an inside look at the spaces where students learn, create, and connect each day. Families will explore a variety of classrooms, our performing arts theater, beautiful cafeteria, and student common areas. You’ll also have the chance to see specialized spaces—such as art studios, robotics rooms, and other areas that support students’ unique interests and passions.
Throughout the tour, you’ll get a feel for how YCDS inspires curiosity, compassion, and confidence in students from Preschool through Grade 12.
Getting Ready to Explore YCDS
Preparing for an open house lets you settle in, enjoy the experience, and truly imagine your child thriving in a new school.
Here’s a checklist to help you make the most of your visit:
Register Your Child
We’d love to know you’re joining us! Please take a moment to reserve your spot using our Open House Registration Form.
Registering helps us prepare a welcoming experience for your family and ensures you receive all event updates and reminders.
Plan Your Arrival
We recommend arriving a few minutes early to allow time for parking and a relaxed check-in experience. York Country Day School is located at 1000 Indian Rock Dam Road, York, PA 17403.
Parking is simple and convenient—just turn from Indian Rock Dam Road onto Richland Avenue, and you’ll see the school sign and our main visitor lot on your left. Parking is free for all guests, and from there it’s a short walk to the entrance where our team will be ready to welcome you.
What to bring: a notepad and comfortable shoes
You’ll be walking through a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, so dress comfortably. Many families enjoy taking notes along the way, whether it’s a detail that stands out or a question that comes to mind. If you’d like a little inspiration, the next section shares some of the questions families find most helpful during an open house.
Questions That Help You Connect and Learn
As you explore the school, these questions can help you dig a little deeper and get a clearer sense of what the experience might be like for your child:
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What makes YCDS’s learning environment unique?
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What is the average class size?
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How do teachers personalize learning to support different student needs?
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How does YCDS support students’ individual interests and passions?
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How do you help students feel known, supported, and confident as they grow?
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What are some traditions that make the YCDS experience special?
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How do teachers and school leaders stay in touch with families?
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In what ways are parents encouraged to get involved at YCDS?
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What does the athletics program offer?
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What transportation options are available?
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Where do YCDS students come from, and how centrally located is the campus for families in the region?
Moving Forward in the Admissions Process
If your open house visit helped you envision your child at YCDS, we’re excited to help you take the next step. Getting started is simple, and each step brings you closer to joining the YCDS community.
1. Create Your Online Admissions Account
Start by creating an online account through our website. This will be your home base for the entire admissions process and a helpful place to track your progress.
Create an Account
Create an Account
2. Complete an Application for Each Child
Once your account is set up, you can submit an application for each child applying to YCDS. This information helps us get to know your family and your childrens’ strengths, interests, and goals.
3. Submit the Application Fee
A $35 application fee is required for each child. Please mail your payment directly to York Country Day School to complete this step.
4. Review Your Personalized Checklist
After submitting your application and fee, log back into your account to view your personalized admissions checklist. This list outlines the remaining steps—such as required documents, assessments, or visits—so you always know exactly what comes next.
Our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way and is always happy to answer questions as you move through the process. You can reach our Director of Admissions, Jamie Graham, for guidance or assistance at any time during the process.
Email: jgraham14@ycds.org Phone: 717-815-6759
We hope to see you at our Open House on Sunday, January 25th, and we look forward to welcoming your family to YCDS.
