On Nov. 7, Carmel High School will host its third annual community open house from 1 to 3 p.m. According to Principal John Williams, all members of the community are welcome to attend regardless of any connection to the school.

“This is for those who live in our community and support our schools to come and visit,” Williams said. “It’s been a really neat experience (in previous years) to be here when people come in and admire and look at what we have to offer.”

According to Williams, the open house does not follow any particular schedule. Different organizations and clubs will have booths set up in the commons area and students can lead visitors on tours around the facility. This year will also feature a presentation on the AP and IB programs here.

“Our teachers and departments are also represented so (visitors) can come and talk to them,” Williams said. “A lot of our staff chooses to participate.”

“It’s really been amazingly successful,” he said. “Coming into this, we had no idea what the interest would be.”

Williams said he estimates the attendance of previous years to be well over 1,000 and expects around the same this year.

According to Williams, the open house is especially popular among parents who are “school shopping” for their children.

“People who have kids in private schools or are debating where to send their kids tend to come because they’ve heard of our successes,” he said. “It’s really an eye-opener because I believe that if someone walks in this building and sees what we have to offer they cant help but be impressed with the opportunities they’re kids are going to have.”

“It’s a fun day,” Williams said. “This is something we’re really proud of.”

Jeremy Weprich, student body president and senior said he agrees. “The community open house gives us an opportunity to share Carmel’s outstanding education and unique culture with the public,” he said. “It’s our way to give our community the true CHS experience.” By Sara Rogers <[email protected]>