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!)
Student Interviews
An interview gives us the opportunity to get to know a student as a learner and an individual—and you the chance to discover what life at OES is like.
How and when a student interviews depends on whether they are applying as a Day or Boarding applicant:
Day Applicants
- Applicant Interview & Visit Day: Saturday, February 6, 2027
- Day applicants attend an active, engaging on-campus event. This day includes their formal interview alongside fun opportunities to connect with OES faculty, current students, and prospective peers.
- Day applicants attend an active, engaging on-campus event. This day includes their formal interview alongside fun opportunities to connect with OES faculty, current students, and prospective peers.
Boarding Applicants
- Boarding applicants have flexible options to connect and interview with us:
- Zoom Interview (Post-Application): Once you submit your application, our team will reach out to schedule a formal Zoom interview with an OES faculty member.
- In-Person Interview During Fall Travel: Admissions team members conduct in-person interviews while traveling internationally in the fall—even before an application is submitted. View our Fall Travel Schedule and contact admit@oes.edu to request an in-person meeting in your city.
- In-Person Campus Visit: If you are able to travel to Portland, we welcome you to visit campus for a tour and in-person interview at any point during your school search! You are also invited to join our Applicant Interview & Visit Day on Saturday, February 6, 2027. To arrange a campus visit, please contact Chris Anderson at andersonc@oes.edu.
- Informal Information Chats (Pre-Application): Formal Zoom interviews are reserved for students who have submitted an application. If you are still exploring OES and want to learn more before applying, we would love to set up an informal virtual conversation or presentation with you. Email admit@oes.edu to connect!
- We also accept interviews through Initialview
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.
Schedule your visit in the Admissions Portal.
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.
This is a required step in the application process.
Pre-Kindergarten-1st Grade applicant visit days are scheduled as follows:
- Monday, January 25, 2027- Pre-Kindergarten
- Tuesday, January 26, 2027- Kindergarten, Primary & 1st Grade
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.
Visits are scheduled November 16 through January 29 in the Admissions Portal.
- 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.