Virtual Open House proves that ‘Mayfield is so much more than a place’  

Although middle school families weren’t able to stroll around our historic campus this year, Mayfield’s first-ever virtual Open House brought the joyful spirit of our Bellefontaine home into their living rooms and bedrooms. Conducted entirely over Zoom, the online event  featured a line-up of Zoom presentations and panels, where prospective families could chat directly with Mayfield administrators, teachers, students, parents and alumnae.
“This year has proved that Mayfield is so much more than a place,” says Director of Admissions Merilisa Ramirez. “And at the Open House, every presenter, and every panel member, was really able to express that unmistakable Mayfield joy. I think prospective families really felt the love, even through Zoom!” 

Families started their day with Head of School Kate Morin, and learned more about the school’s Holy Child educational mission. Then, freshman teachers were on hand to discuss 9th-grade classes and the academic transition to high school. This session was followed by a series of panel discussions, where families met Mayfield students, parents and alumnae and asked them directly about their experiences. And perhaps the most surprising element of the day? The virtual Open House rivaled the attendance of any of the in-person events!

“It really couldn’t have been any better,” said Mrs. Morin. “Our admissions team really hit it out of the park.”

Families who registered for Open House in advance were also invited to campus for a brief drive-through tour. The school’s admissions team had prepared a goodie bag for them, with handouts about academic, artistic and athletic pursuits at Mayfield, a few treats and surprises, and a well-marked map. After this contactless exchange, families were able to slowly drive past the central buildings on campus—with the entrance of Strub Hall decked for Christmas!—to get a small sense of the Mayfield magic.

For the Instagram crowd, there was some bonus content too. ASB President Mariana Trujillo ’21 hosted an Instagram Live where she interviewed three other students in a free-flowing conversation. Prospective students had a chance to participate in interactive activities with current students and get an authentic sense of the Mayfield experience on a much more comfortable platform.  

This was the first Open House without our Strub Hall home at the center. And nine months into this pandemic, there is always a yearning to go “Back to Bellefontaine.” However, we’ve found that “Actions Not Words” is much more than an indelible school motto, it’s a template for resilience in the face of challenging times. From students to teachers, from parents to alums, this Open House was a reminder that Mayfield isn’t simply a place in which students discover their gifts, but also a community that embraces and supports each person.
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.