You can read all the brochures, scroll through all the websites and watch every social media reel, but nothing quite captures what a school is really like until you walk through the gates yourself. The way you’re welcomed at the front office. The hum of a classroom mid-lesson. The interactions between teachers and students in the corridor. Sometimes it’s just a feeling you get that tells you this could be the place.
That’s what makes Catholic Schools Open Week such a valuable opportunity for Adelaide families. From 17 to 23 August, Catholic schools across South Australia are opening their doors, inviting parents and carers to come in, look around and experience school life firsthand.
More than just a tour
Open Week is designed to give families a genuine sense of each school community. You’ll have the chance to attend events, take guided tours and see learning in action. Walk through classrooms, chat with teachers and get a feel for the opportunities available to children at every stage of their education journey.
For many parents, it’s these small moments that make all the difference. Watching how a teacher responds to a child’s question. Seeing students collaborate on a project. Noticing the way older kids look out for younger ones in the playground. These details are hard to capture in a prospectus, but they’re exactly what helps families know whether a school could be the right fit.
Open to all families
One thing worth knowing is that Catholic schools welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds. You don’t need to be Catholic to enrol your child, and schools genuinely celebrate the diversity this brings to their communities.
At their heart, Catholic schools are places where children are encouraged to learn, grow, build friendships and develop values that will guide them throughout their lives. There’s a strong focus on nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Whether your family is religious or not, many parents are drawn to the sense of community and the values-based approach to education that Catholic schools offer.
When to start looking
If your child is heading into Reception next year, Open Week is the perfect time to explore your options. But it’s also a great opportunity for families with younger children who want to get a head start on their research, or those considering the transition to secondary school.
There’s no pressure to make any decisions on the spot. Open Week is simply about giving you the chance to see what’s out there, ask questions and start building a picture of what you’re looking for in a school.
What to look for during your visit
Not sure what to focus on when you’re touring a school? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The welcome: How does the school make you feel from the moment you arrive?
- Student engagement: Are children focused and involved in their learning?
- Teacher interactions: How do staff communicate with students and with each other?
- Facilities: Do the spaces support the kind of learning you want for your child?
- Community feel: Can you see your family fitting in here?
Trust your instincts. You know your child best, and often the right school just feels right.
Book your visit
Catholic Schools Open Week runs from 17 to 23 August 2026. Families are encouraged to attend an Open Week event or book a tour at a school near them.
To find participating schools and register for events, visit cesa.catholic.edu.au
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