Open House is happening this Sunday, Oct. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Classrooms will be open for families to explore. The JC Marching Band will play outside from 11 – 11:30 as visitors arrive. Also represented will be athletic teams, clubs, and other activities the school offers.

“Almost every offering that we have on campus will be showcased that day in some form or another,” Director of Enrollment and Marketing Jesse Roberts said.

The key purpose of Open House is to attract new students. According to Roberts, the primary way to accomplish this is to “center on programs and make sure that the activities are varied. It’s important that as many interests are addressed as possible.”

“With launching the new STEM and Performing Arts Academies, we are increasing our programs and quality of offerings in response to what the students demand from our school,” Roberts said.  “The response we’re getting from them has been excellent.”

Statistically, this approach seems to be working. The freshman class size has increased from 157 students to 181, a 16 percent increase.

Senior Kayla Stoots was influenced to attend to JC after coming to the Open House.  “The food was really good so I was more convinced to come here,” Stoots said.

“We’re making our conversation with prospective students much more focused on them and not necessarily on us,” Roberts said. “By making it a more personalized experience, students get a better feel for what John Carroll would be like for them. Whether you’re an artist, athlete, or someone who focuses on their academics, there’s an opportunity for you to excel here.”

Scott Novak is an Opinion Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.