Student Visits
We want you to experience OES for yourself. We think one of the best ways for a prospective student to learn what it is like to be a student at OES is to visit.
Upper School
Shadow Visit
Students interested in applying to grades 9–12 are invited to schedule a Shadow Visit before or after submitting an application.
Shadow visits are optional, but we encourage students to attend one to learn more about OES and discover if it might be a good fit for them.
You will connect with students and faculty, participate in classes, join community times, and have lunch in the dining hall. (Our treat!)
Sign up in the Admissions Portal or contact the Admissions Office at admit@oes.edu, 503-768-3115.
Applicant Visit Day
Contact the Admissions Team at admit@oes.edu with questions or if you are not able to attend this Saturday program.
More information to come as we get closer to the visit day.
Middle School
The Middle School Student Visit is a required step in the application process.
We design our applicant visit day to be a fun engaging way for students to experience our Middle School community and meet our wonderful Middle School faculty. The visit day is also an opportunity for our Middle School faculty to get to know your child.
Sign-ups for Middle School visit days are available in the Admissions Portal.
We are here to make this a positive experience for all, contact Bonnie at brennanb@oes.edu with questions. More detailed information to come as we get closer to your child’s visit day.
Lower School
The Lower School Student Visit is a required step in the application process.
Once your application fee is submitted, sign up for a student visit in the Admissions Portal or contact the Admissions Office at admit@oes.edu, 503-768-3115.
- Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Kindergarten, Primary & 1st Grade - 2 hour visit, 2 morning sessions to choose from
- Friday, January 31, 2025 - Pre-Kindergarten - 90 minute visit, 2 morning sessions to choose from
- Visits are offered on various days from December 3 - January 24
- They run almost a full school day, starting at 8:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm.
- Lunch and snacks are part of the visit. A meal plan is included in tuition, so all students have access to amazing choices offered by Bon Appetit. Preview the lunch menu.
- Parents must complete the Emergency Form for Student Visits available in the Admissions Portal.
Lower School Common Questions
What does the Pre-Kindergarten visit look like? Our Pre-K student visits are intentionally designed with 3 and 4-year olds needs at the forefront. It is essentially a playdate, in which the children get to choose from various stations around the room such as a sandtable, drawing table, building blocks, and dramatic play. Once the children are situated and comfortable they will be invited to join a circle with a teacher where they will learn about their schedule, sing songs, and listen to a story. They will also have the opportunity to play outside.
What does the Kindergarten/Primary/1st grade visit look like? Similar to the Pre-K visit (above) but just a little longer and geared towards 5 and 6-year olds.
What does drop-off look like for Pre-K-1st grade applicants? Can I stay and watch? Upon arrival, a teacher will guide you and your child to their designated room where you can assist in settling them in. At least one parent/guardian must remain on campus throughout the visit. While parents are unable to observe their child directly in the classroom, we offer a program in the library where families can connect with community members and discover more about OES. We kindly request that parents depart the classroom once their child is settled, typically within approximately 10 minutes. In cases of separation anxiety, our experienced teachers will support a smooth transition for both child and parent. It's common for children to adjust quickly once their parents or guardians are out of sight.
How big are the groups in the Pre-K-1st grade visits? Most groups consist of 8-10 children. Several teachers are assigned to each room.
What does drop-off/pick-up look like for grades 2-5 applicants? Parents/guardians are required to park and walk their child into the Lower School lobby. An admissions staff member will meet you there. At 8:00 am, your child's "buddies" (students from their class that will help be their guide for the day) will meet your child in the lobby and take them to their classroom. At that point, parents/guardians are free to go for the day. You will come back to the lobby to pick up your child at 2:00 pm.
Can my 1st-4th grader (grades 2-5 applicants) bring a cell phone? Cell phones and smart watches are not permitted in the Lower School. If there is an emergency, a teacher or administrator will call you.
What should my 1st-4th grader (grades 2-5 applicants) wear during their visit? While OES Lower School students wear uniforms, visitors should wear clothes that they are comfortable in and athletic shoes to play in.
Does my 1st-4th grader need to bring anything? Other than outerwear for whatever the weather dictates and a water bottle, children do not need to bring anything else with them.
Middle School & Upper School Common Questions
Can I bring a cell phone? Visitors to the Middle and Upper School may carry a cell phone, but should not be on their phone during any class time or Gathering. We ask that visitors leave other electronic devices (iPad, Kindle, headphones, laptops, etc.) at home. We want visitors to fully experience the classes without distraction.
Is there a form I need to complete for my visit? Parents must complete the Emergency Form for Student Visits available in the Admissions Portal. We need to have this information on file in case of an emergency on the day of the student visit.
