Virtual Open Houses
for Schools

A virtual open house is a digital event that allows prospective families to explore a school campus remotely, either through a self-guided 3D virtual tour or a live guided session led by admissions staff via video conference. Unlike a traditional in-person open house, a virtual open house is accessible from anywhere in the world, at any time (self-guided) or during a scheduled event window (guided). It gives families the same campus exploration experience without the need to be physically present.

While the concept is similar, school virtual open houses serve a fundamentally different purpose. Real estate virtual tours help buyers evaluate a property for purchase. School virtual open houses help families evaluate an educational environment for their children. School tours need to capture classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums, cafeterias, laboratories, outdoor play areas, and campus grounds. The admissions context also means schools often combine the tour with live Q&A sessions, faculty introductions, and program presentations.

The foundation of a virtual open house is a 3D virtual tour, which starts at $750 for a school building (commercial rate). Once the tour is created, it serves as the permanent platform for unlimited virtual open house events at no additional per-event cost. Larger campuses with multiple buildings range from $2,000-$5,000+. Video flythroughs for promotional use are +$150/minute. The tour is a one-time investment that supports ongoing enrollment marketing.

Yes. Using any video conferencing platform (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams), your admissions staff can screen-share the 3D virtual tour while narrating a guided campus walkthrough in real-time. Prospective families join the video call and follow along as the admissions director navigates through classrooms, labs, the gym, and other spaces. Q&A happens naturally during the tour. This combines the immersive quality of the 3D tour with the personal touch of a live presentation.

For self-guided virtual open houses, families simply click the Matterport tour link on your school website. No app download or special software is required. The tour works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. For live guided events, families join a video call where admissions staff share the tour. You can promote access through enrollment emails, social media, your school website, and printed QR codes at community events.

A virtual open house complements rather than replaces in-person tours. It serves families who cannot attend in person (relocating families, international applicants, busy parents), extends your reach beyond local geography, and provides a 24/7 campus exploration experience. Many schools find that families who explore the virtual tour first arrive at in-person events more informed and engaged, leading to shorter decision cycles and higher enrollment conversion rates.

A comprehensive virtual open house should include: the 3D virtual tour of key campus spaces (classrooms, library, gym, cafeteria, labs, outdoor areas), an admissions presentation (live or recorded), a Q&A session with admissions staff or faculty, student/parent testimonials (live or video), and links to apply or schedule an in-person visit. For the most effective format, start with the 3D tour walkthrough, then transition to a live Q&A session.

Promote through your school website (dedicated landing page), email campaigns to inquiry list and current families (for referrals), social media advertising (Facebook and Instagram target parents effectively), Google Ads for "school near me" searches, community newsletters and bulletin boards, and QR codes on printed enrollment materials. For ongoing self-guided tours, the Matterport link should be prominent on your admissions page year-round.

Yes. This is one of the greatest advantages of a virtual open house over a physical one. While live guided events happen on a schedule, the self-guided 3D virtual tour is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A parent researching schools at 11 PM on a Tuesday can explore your campus just as thoroughly as a parent visiting during a scheduled event. This 24/7 availability means your school is always "open" for tours.

Yes. Virtual open houses are effective for all grade levels. For elementary schools, parents want to see classroom environments, playgrounds, and safety features. For middle schools, parents and students explore labs, arts spaces, and athletic facilities. For high schools, the focus shifts to specialized facilities (AP labs, career centers, athletic complexes) and campus culture. The virtual tour adapts to whatever spaces your school wants to showcase at each grade level.