Families Explore Top Private Schools As Fall Open Houses Continue

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Top Delaware Private School Open Houses this weekend: Archmere Academy and St. Mark’s High School
By Staff Writer | Delaware LIVE

WILMINGTON, Del. — Open houses at Delaware’s top private schools continue this weekend, giving families the chance to explore campuses, meet teachers, and get a feel for school communities across New Castle County. Schools including Archmere Academy in Claymont and St. Mark’s High School in Wilmington will welcome prospective students and parents on Sunday, Oct. 26, as part of the region’s fall admissions season.

“When choosing a school, take into consideration the entirety of the student’s educational journey — not just what happens during their time in school, but how they are prepared to transition into college and beyond,” said Fred Voelker, Communications Manager at Archmere Academy.

That guidance applies to families visiting schools throughout the county, where each institution offers a unique blend of academics, values, and community — from the Quaker principles at Wilmington Friends School to the strong faith traditions at St. Mark’s, Tatnall, and Wilmington Christian School.

Featured Upcoming Events

St. Mark’s High School & Archmere Academy — Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025

Two of Delaware’s leading Catholic college-preparatory schools will open their doors this Sunday.

St. Mark’s High School will host its Fall Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington. Families can tour classrooms, talk with teachers and coaches, and learn about the school’s academics, athletics, and faith-based programs.

Later that day, Archmere Academy in Claymont will welcome guests from 1 to 4 p.m. on its 38-acre college-style campus. Visitors will meet students, faculty, and administrators, and hear how Archmere’s academics, arts, and athletics prepare students for college success through programs like Global Studies, Engineering, and its partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Tatnall School — Wednesday, Oct. 29 & Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

Tatnall School in Wilmington invites families to its Lower School Open House on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. and its Middle & Upper School Open House on Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. Families can tour classrooms, meet teachers, and learn about Tatnall’s academic and arts programs.

Wilmington Friends School — Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

Wilmington Friends School, Delaware’s only Quaker PreK–12 institution, will host its next open house on Saturday, Nov. 1, with two sessions: 9–10:30 a.m. for preschool through grade 5 and 1–3 p.m. for grades 6–12.
“Families can sense the warmth and energy of a school in a way that no brochure or ranking can capture,” said Ken Aldridge, Head of School at Wilmington Friends School. “When you walk through our hallways, meet teachers, and talk with students, you begin to understand what makes each school unique.”

Wilmington Christian School — Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

Wilmington Christian School in Hockessin will host its next open house on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 9–10:30 a.m. The PreK–12 school blends academic excellence with Christian leadership, community service, and a focus on developing character alongside scholarship.

Remaining Private School Open Houses — Fall 2025

(As of Oct. 22, 2025 — only upcoming events)

Date	School	Description	Format	Address
Oct. 26, 2025	St. Mark’s High School	Co-ed Catholic high school with strong academics and faith-based leadership	Full campus showcase, student-led tours	2501 Pike Creek Rd., Wilmington DE
Oct. 26, 2025	Archmere Academy	Catholic college-prep high school with transformative academics and experiential programs	Campus tours, student & faculty panels	3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont DE
Oct. 29, 2025	Tatnall School	Lower School Open House	Classroom visits, teacher meet-and-greets	1501 Barley Mill Rd., Wilmington DE
Nov. 1, 2025	Tatnall School	Middle & Upper School Open House	Campus tours, classroom visits	1501 Barley Mill Rd., Wilmington DE
Nov. 1, 2025	Wilmington Friends School	Quaker PreK–12 school focused on peace, equity & inquiry	Two sessions: 9–10:30 a.m. (PS–5) & 1–3 p.m. (6–12)	101 School Rd., Wilmington DE
Nov. 3, 2025	The Independence School	Co-ed PreK–8 school with STEM and leadership focus	Inside Indy Tours for grades 4–8	1300 Paper Mill Rd., Newark DE
Nov. 6, 2025	Ursuline Academy	Catholic Montessori–12 school emphasizing global education and service	Walk-In Wednesday	1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington DE
Nov. 9, 2025	Wilmington Friends School	Quaker PreK–12 school focused on peace, equity & inquiry	Campus tours, classroom visits, student panels	101 School Rd., Wilmington DE
Nov. 11, 2025	The Independence School	Veterans Day classroom immersion for 4th–5th graders	Patriot for a Day	1300 Paper Mill Rd., Newark DE
Nov. 13, 2025	Wilmington Christian School	PreK–12 Christian school focused on Biblical worldview & leadership	Guided tours, Q&A with faculty	825 Loveville Rd., Hockessin DE
Nov. 18, 2025	Wilmington Friends School	Quaker PreK–12 school focused on peace, equity & inquiry	Campus tours, classroom visits, student panels	101 School Rd., Wilmington DE
Nov. 19, 2025	Ursuline Academy	Early Childhood Open House (Montessori & Pre-K)	Classroom observation, Q&A with educators	1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington DE

A Family Decision

Educators agree that choosing a school should be a shared family experience — one that involves both parents and students.

“It’s important for the child to have a voice in the process,” Aldridge said. “When families visit several schools, students begin to recognize where they feel most comfortable, inspired, and supported. It becomes a decision everyone makes together.”

Most schools ask families to pre-register online, though many also offer flexible one-on-one appointments. Parents who missed earlier open house dates are encouraged to contact admissions teams directly for tours or shadow days.