Being an eighth grader in NYC is a distinct experience, and parenting an eighth grader is equally unique. During the first half of this milestone year, most families engage in the competitive process of applying to high school around (and occasionally beyond) the city. Early and ongoing planning are key to achieving an outcome that aligns, more or less, with what you and your child envision for the next four years of their educational journey.
Particularly if you are considering independent schools, many guides will include the following preliminary steps to prepare the spring of and summer after seventh grade and before the admissions season begins in the fall:
Learn about the different kinds of private schools in the NYC area.
- Know the difference between independent, parochial, and specialized schools as well as the inclusive range within traditional and progressive programs. It will be important to acknowledge what resonates with your family’s values and your child’s identity.
Research the schools that generally interest you and your child.
- Based on your child’s intellectual and personal strengths and needs, explore each school’s mission, curriculum, community, culture and location to identify where your child could thrive academically, extracurricularly and socially.
- Attend spring tours and open houses, if available. At this time of year, schools are often vibrant with culminating projects and capstone happenings that speak to their principles and priorities.
- Connect with current (and alumni) families for their perspective and insights. There might be opportunities to accompany them to end-of-year events that will allow you to authentically interact with their community.
- Seek advice and support from those who know you and your child best. Teachers, school counselors, coaches and mentors can offer valuable guidance that can further shape your list of schools.
Familiarize yourself with the multi-layered admissions process for each school you would like to actively consider.
- Know the application timeline, requirements and deadlines. These details might not be available until late summer or early fall. However, if you create profiles on any online admissions platforms, like Ravenna, some schools will send updates and invitations through those portals at appropriate times.
PRO TIP: Draft a trusted spreadsheet or organizer that can help your family highlight the essential information you gather.
- Make sure that your child meets any eligibility requirements. Criteria for eighth graders applying to independent high schools could include academic standing in middle school or up-to-date standardized testing results.
Prepare for entrance exams.
- Of the independent schools who require testing, most will ask for ISEE or SSAT scores. Before the exam, your child can take practice tests to become familiar with the exam format and content. In addition, if you are able, you might want to hire a tutor for your child or enroll them in a prep course so that they perform confidently and optimally.
Calculate the financial investment and affordability pathways for high school.
- Know the tuition at each school for the upcoming school year and, incorporating annual percentage increases and additional fees (especially if books, supplies, activities, meals or transportation are not included), estimate the annual cost and total for all four years. Determine if and how your family’s budget can support your child’s enrollment.
- Research the various options for need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. You will likely apply for financial assistance at the time you apply for admission and should know the relevant purpose, platforms (e.g. SSS or TADS) and processes unique to each school.
- Learn if tuition payment plans or other financing options are available that match your family’s budgetary goals.
The above suggestions will hopefully allow your family to learn, affirm and organize for the beginning of your own process in applying to high schools for your child.
Still, as you imagine your child’s future experience in high school and plan for their related experience, I encourage you to keep their present reality front of mind. So much growth happens before and during eighth grade that parents should witness and nurture. When your child is allowed space to access their passions over the next few months (e.g. reading a popular series, attending a camp, babysitting a relative or neighbor, writing a short screenplay, starting a small business, wondering about their place in the world, etc.), emerging and maturing skills and talents will impact their personality and performance in and out of school… as well as the admissions process.
Please join me and Jean-Pierre “JP” Jacquet from Riverdale Country School on Thursday, May 30 for a free webinar on applying to independent schools. We will discuss these and many other details. Click here for details and registration.
If you would like to schedule an introductory phone call to discuss how we can best support you, complete this form. We will get back to you quickly.