A virtual open house replaces or supplements the traditional in-person school open house with a digital experience that prospective families can access from anywhere.
How Virtual Open Houses Work
A school virtual open house typically combines:
- 3D Virtual Tours: Interactive Matterport walkthroughs of classrooms, common areas, and facilities that families can explore at their own pace
- Aerial Campus Views: Drone photography showing the campus grounds, athletic facilities, and surrounding area
- Google Maps Integration: Street View walkthroughs published on Google Maps for discovery
- Guided Walkthrough Videos: Pre-recorded or live video narrations highlighting key features
- Embedded Information: Mattertags within tours linking to admissions pages, program details, and contact information
Benefits Over Traditional Open Houses
| Feature | Traditional Open House | Virtual Open House |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Fixed date/time | 24/7, anytime |
| Capacity | Limited by space | Unlimited |
| Reach | Local families only | Nationwide/global |
| Weather dependent | Yes | No |
| Staff required | Multiple staff for hours | Minimal after setup |
| Cost per event | Recurring (food, staff, setup) | One-time creation cost |
| Accessibility | Physical presence required | Any device, any location |
Why Schools Are Adopting Virtual Open Houses
The COVID-19 pandemic proved that virtual open houses work. Schools that implemented them during lockdowns found:
- Attendance often exceeded physical open house numbers
- Out-of-area families could participate for the first time
- The digital format became a permanent recruitment tool
- Tours continued generating engagement long after the "event"
Virtual Open House vs Virtual Tour
A virtual tour is the 3D walkthrough itself — always available on your website. A virtual open house is an event that uses the virtual tour as its centerpiece, often combined with live elements like Q&A sessions, student panels, or principal welcomes. Many schools maintain the virtual tour year-round and host periodic live virtual open house events during enrollment season.