As a Tour Guide, you play an important role in helping prospective students and families learn about Rye Country Day School. For many visitors, you will be their first introduction to the RCDS community.
Your goal is not to memorize facts or give a perfect presentation. Your goal is to help families understand what it is like to be a student at RCDS — by sharing your own experiences and guiding them through campus in a friendly, professional, and authentic way.
Get the family talking before you head out. It helps you tailor the tour and immediately creates a connection.
Include the prospective student in the conversation — not just their parents. Share your own experiences: mention your grade, your interests, what you love about RCDS. Make them feel like they could belong here too.
Parents want facts about academics and facilities. The student wants to know if they'll fit in. Speak to both.
Tours run Mon–Fri at 8:45am, 9:45am, 11:30am, and 12:30pm. Report to the Admissions Office at the start of your scheduled block — on time or early so tours can begin promptly.
Be ready to give tours of any division since families are scheduled without coordinating against your specific expertise. If there are more guides than families, wait five minutes and then you're free. If there are more families than guides, you may take more than one family or pair up with another guide.
Can't make your block? Email Ms. Brittain ASAP. More than two unexcused absences in a month and your advisor gets a heads-up and you may be removed from the roster.
Don't drop the family off and disappear. Bring them back to the Admissions Office, take a minute to ask if there are any final questions, thank them for coming, and let Ms. Brittain or an Admissions staff member know you're back.
- Arrive at the beginning of your tour block — on time or early
- Ms. Brittain will take attendance and pair you with a family
- If there are more families than guides, you may take more than one group or pair with another guide
- If no family shows, you have a free block after five minutes
- Ms. Brittain will introduce you to the family
- Introduce yourself — name, grade, when you came to RCDS
- Ask questions to get to know the family and student
- Guide them through the relevant division, plus the PAC, Cohen Center, and Athletic Center
- Keep it to 45 minutes — never less than 30, never more than 45
- Take a minute to ask if there are any final questions
- Thank them for coming
- Let Ms. Brittain or an Admissions staff member know you're back
Say: "I'm not sure, but someone in the Admissions Office can give you the most accurate information." Then mention the question when you return. It's always okay to say you don't know.
Respond politely: "I can really only speak about my own experience at RCDS." Never compare RCDS to other schools.
End the conversation politely and let Ms. Brittain or any Admissions Office staff member know discreetly after the tour.
- Be friendly and welcoming — we want every family to have a positive experience
- Share your personal experiences at RCDS
- Ask questions and get to know the family
- Include the prospective student in conversations
- Focus on the positive aspects of RCDS
- Introduce families to community members when appropriate
- Dress appropriately and follow the dress code
- Return families to the Admissions Office at the end and thank them for coming
- Compare RCDS to other schools
- Make up answers — it's okay to say "I don't know"
- Enter the Tech Center or classrooms unless invited
- Chew gum during tours
- Bring drinks on tour
- Share your personal contact information
- Leave families unattended or let them leave mid-tour without returning to Admissions
- Broadcast tour experiences to the school community
Arrive on time for your assigned tour block. Dress appropriately. Represent RCDS in a positive and professional manner. Be prepared to give tours of any division. Check your RCDS email regularly. Communicate with the Admissions Office if you'll be absent.
Most importantly — maintain confidentiality regarding the admissions process.
French and Spanish start in Grade 2 (a few times a week). In Grades 6–8 it becomes a full academic subject — students choose French, Spanish, Latin, or Mandarin Chinese. Completing the MS language program counts as one year of credit in Upper School. New students can enter at any stage.
PE every day for PK–Grade 4. Grades 5–6 also have daily PE. Grades 7–8 add interscholastic games. Upper School students try out for JV/V teams or fulfill PE credit through the Fitness Center. Three major turf fields on campus plus the Field House.
Interdisciplinary service learning program. Students work with long-term community partners through curriculum-integrated projects. Students are empowered as active contributors to their communities, not just observers.
Everyone runs on a 6-day rotating schedule. Grades 6–12 have individualized schedules. US mid-morning blocks rotate between Advisory, Office Hours, Clubs, Community Meeting, and Class Meeting.
New development coming soon — stay tuned for updates you can share on tours!