Student Campus Visits Days
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
The Upper School Applicant Visit Day is a required step in the application process.
The day will include a one-on-one interview with a faculty member, opportunities to connect with students, and time spent learning more about our program and community. Sign up in the Admissions Portal.
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
Applicant Visit Day
Our Middle School visit days are required as part of the application process, but you’re welcome to visit before you apply. Whether you attend before or after starting your application, your visit will fulfill the requirement. You can schedule your student's visit in the Admissions Portal under the Connect tab.
Our Middle School visit day offers applicants a fun, immersive opportunity to explore life at OES. Each visitor is paired with a student ambassador who will accompany them throughout the day. Visitors will attend classes, enjoy lunch with current students, complete a creative writing prompt and a math sample, and have a one-on-one conversation with a Middle School faculty member. It’s a day for your child to dive into the community, have a blast, and get to know OES.
After you’ve signed up, you will receive detailed information about what your child can expect for their visit as we get closer to the day. We are here to make this a positive experience for all!
Please contact Bonnie at brennanb@oes.edu with questions or concerns.
Lower School
Applicant Visit Day
Once you have started your Lower School application, you can schedule your student's visit in the Admissions Portal.
Pre-Kindergarten- Grade 1
We understand that visiting a new school can feel like a big moment, especially for young children and their families. That’s why we’ve designed this in-person visit with great care and intentionality, ensuring each child feels comfortable, seen, and excited to explore.
Our entire Lower School program pauses for the day so we can welcome our youngest applicants into thoughtfully prepared spaces. Children are invited to play, create, draw, sing, and move under the gentle guidance of our expert early childhood educators. These small group experiences allow us to observe each child in action, particularly how they connect, collaborate, and shine alongside their peers.
We ask that at least one parent or guardian remain on campus during the visit. While your child engages in the classroom, adults are invited to join a program designed to help you get to know the heart of the OES community.
This is a required step in the application process.
Pre-Kindergarten-1st Grade applicant visit days are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, January 29, 2026 - Kindergarten, Primary & 1st Grade - 2 hour visit, 2 morning sessions to choose from
- Friday, January 30, 2026 - Pre-Kindergarten - 90 minute visit, 2 morning sessions to choose from
- See “Common Questions” below to see what visits for this age group look like
This is a required step in the application process.
Grades 2-5
Each applicant will spend a full day with a current class in their grade level, guided by a student host and supported by our caring community. In addition to the regular class schedule, children will participate in curated reading, writing, and math activities.
These visits provide an opportunity for our teachers and specialists to observe and connect with your child in both academic and social settings.
Applicants choose a day in the drop-down options inside the Admissions Portal.
- Visits are offered on various days from November 11 - January 23
- 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.
This is a required step in the application process.
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 the 2nd–5th grade visit look like?
During their visit, students spend the day as part of a classroom in their grade level, joining new friends in all the activities of a typical school day. They’ll take part in morning meeting, reading, writing, math, and at least one “special”—art, music, science, technology, library, Spanish, or PE. Lunch, snacks, and plenty of recess are also part of the day. It’s a wonderful chance for children to experience what it feels like to be an Aardvark, while teachers get to know them in a relaxed and natural way.
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
Do I need to bring a lunch or money to buy lunch? No, lunch is our treat! At OES, lunchtime is one of many valuable opportunities for our students to gather as a community. A meal plan is included in tuition, so all students have access to amazing choices offered by Bon Appetit. Preview the lunch menu.
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.