Mrs Tolley went to both Forbury School and Macandrew Intermediate School on Tuesday where she met principals and board of trustees chairs to discuss their feelings about the proposed merger between the two.
Mrs Tolley announced last month she was likely to close Forbury School and merge it with Macandrew Intermediate as a years 1-8 primary school on the Macandrew site.
She also announced it was likely Caversham, College Street and Calton Hill Schools would be merged as a years 1-8 school on the Caversham site, with a campus on the Calton Hill site.
Mrs Tolley's excursion to Forbury and Macandrew was "private" and staff at both schools were under strict instructions not to alert media to her visit.
Forbury principal Janice Tofia said Mrs Tolley spent most of her time looking at the school property and grounds.
"We thought that, that was most beneficial because she would have a first-hand understanding of what the Forbury School site can offer the pupils of today and the future.
"She was very personal, very pleasant and very interested in our school.
"While she took particular interest in the school and its grounds, she took time to interact with children and staff."
However, Mrs Tolley did not reveal her decision on the fate of Forbury School, Mrs Tofia said.
"We're very hopeful the school will remain open, but it's hard to know what she's thinking."
Macandrew Intermediate principal Whetu Cormick said he was feeling "neutral" following Mrs Tolley's visit.
He said she looked at almost every "nook and cranny" within the school, but had not revealed any of her intentions.
"I applaud her for coming down to look, because that will inform her final decision, which we are looking forward to hearing."
Mr Cormick said Mrs Tolley did not say when she would announce her decision, but believed it may be delayed because the closing date for the second round of submissions had been extended from May 31 to June 7.
Mrs Tolley is expected to make a final decision on the fate of the schools in early July, and the changes could be implemented from term 1 next year.
