All students applying for grades 6-8 at ILS are strongly encouraged to spend a full day visiting the school to experience the school culture and expectations.

One of the best parts of being in the Upper School at Immanuel is the chance to experience our unique culture. We value interactions between all classes, so that our youngest scholars can learn from the more experienced students, which invites our oldest students to develop leadership practices. ILS also employs a house system, much like student teams, that allows for quarterly competitions. Instituted and sponsored by our faculty, the House System is meant to encourage culture, a distinct sense of school pride, and to recognize those who go above and beyond in the spirit of the team.

Please keep the following in mind as you plan for your visit: 

• When should I arrive and where should I go on the day of my visit?
  Students should arrive at school with their parents no later than 8:15am on the morning of their visit. One of the ILS staff will be waiting to welcome you, introduce you to the homeroom teacher, and get you to where you need to be for the morning. Please complete and sign the student permission form, and return this via email or on the morning of your visit. Students will join their class for our morning opening, which begins at 8:20 a.m.

• What should I wear for my visit?
  Students who wear uniforms at their current school are invited to wear those for their visit. Otherwise, we encourage you to wear neat, clean clothes in a style similar to our ILS Upper School uniform. For young men, this would include khaki pants, along with a white (or solid colored) polo shirt or button down. For young ladies, this would include a khaki or plaid skirt, with a white (or solid colored) polo or button down. Families do not need to purchase clothes specifically for their visit. Weather permitting, classes will be outside for both morning and afternoon recess. Please bring coats and other appropriate cold-weather items if necessary.

• What should I bring with me?
  Students are encouraged to spend the full day visiting, so should plan to bring both a healthy morning snack (fruit, granola bar, crackers, etc.), and a lunch. We will notify you if you are visiting on a pizza lunch day, during which you would be welcome to enjoy pizza lunch (cheese or pepperoni) if you would like.
  
  Additionally, please bring a book to read during any breaks. You may also wish to bring a pencil and notebook to use during your day with us as well.
  
  Please leave cell phones or other electronic devices at home. ILS students are not allowed to have cell phones, Apple Watches, iPads, Kindles, or other electronic devices with them during the school day, and any of these items would need to be turned into the Art and Theology teacher at the beginning of the day.

• What can I expect during my visit?
  Students will spend the majority of the day with their current grade-level class and are encouraged to participate fully in classes. Our teachers will share any handouts, quizzes or tests so that you can see what is being studied.

• When does the school day end?
  Our school-day ends at 3:00pm. Visiting students will stay with their classes for afternoon pick-up. Parents may come through the carpool line between 3 and 3:15pm for pick-up, and our staff will call students out to their cars. If you would prefer to park on one of the side-streets in the area or walk, please walk down Belleaire and look for one of our staff in the carpool line so that we can call your child to come meet you outside.
  
  For the safety of our students and staff, we ask that cars do not drive down Bellaire Road during carpool times.