School open houses and tour nights in New Castle County
If you're choosing a school for next year, fall is when you get to walk the hallways. Districts, charters and private schools run open houses, information nights and tours from September through early December — deliberately ahead of the statewide choice application window, which opens in early November. This list fills in as schools post their dates, so it's thin in September and busiest in October. Go to more than you think you need to: the building tells you things the report card can't, and the questions you'll want answered on application night are the ones you only think of after standing in a classroom.
Teen Volunteer Info Session
Tue, Sep 22 · Brandywine Hundred Library
Milford Open House
Sat, Sep 26 · Music School of Delaware
Wilmington Open House
Sun, Oct 4 · Music School of Delaware
See everything on the full calendar →
Good to know
- • Delaware's statewide school choice application window for 2027–28 is expected to run Monday, November 2, 2026 through Wednesday, January 13, 2027 — our projection from the formula in state law (first Monday in November to the second Wednesday in January). As of August 21, 2026, SchoolChoiceDE.org still shows the 2026–27 dates, so treat these as projected until the official dates post. source
- • Delaware families apply through one online application at SchoolChoiceDE.org, ranking up to three schools across any districts — there is no separate application for charter schools. source
Questions parents ask
When do New Castle County school open houses happen?
Most land between mid-September and early December, ahead of the statewide choice window. Charters and private schools tend to start earliest — several run October dates — and some hold a second session in January for families who missed the fall.
Do I have to attend an open house to apply?
No. Delaware's choice application is a single online form at SchoolChoiceDE.org and attending a tour isn't a requirement or an advantage in a lottery. Go because you want to see the place, not because you think it counts.
When is the choice application deadline?
For the 2027–28 school year the window is expected to open Monday, November 2, 2026 and close Wednesday, January 13, 2027 — our projection from the formula in state law. Confirm the official dates at SchoolChoiceDE.org once they post in the fall.
What should I actually ask on a tour?
The things nobody publishes: what aftercare really looks like and what it costs, how many kids came in from choice last year, how the school handles a child who is ahead or behind, and what the first two weeks of kindergarten look like day to day.
Why is this list empty or short right now?
Because we only list dates a school has actually posted. We add them as they appear on district, charter and private school sites rather than guessing at last year's pattern — check back through September and October.
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More guides
Checked against each place’s current info.
Event dates come straight from our live calendar and refresh automatically. Last reviewed August 21, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.