End of Admissions Season
As Admissions season draws to a close, we are happy to share that our graduating 8th graders have done very well with their high school admittances. Similar to last year, the vast majority of our 8th graders were accepted by their first choice high schools.
We take great pride in successfully placing our graduates at the best schools for them. This process starts in 5th grade, when Sarah Colmaire and I meet with each set of 5th grade parents to talk about their child’s relative strengths and areas for improvement, as well as that child’s interests, hobbies and the type of high school environment that will be most conducive to his or her continued development.
The work continues in 7th grade, when,...
The work continues in 7th grade, when,...
...again, each individual set of parents comes in to talk with Nathalie Miller and me about which high schools they should apply to the following fall. The factors to consider in selecting high schools include identifying the best school environment for that particular child, AP courses and electives offered, college admissions statistics, sports and clubs offered, the geographic location of the school, financial aid requirements, etc. Once we have helped the family identify 3-5 possible high schools, individual personalized letters of recommendation are written for each graduate by Mrs. Neale (JH math teacher), Mr. Miller (our JH English teacher) and me.
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In the fall, I also hold mock interviews with each 8th grade student to prepare him or her for high school interviews. When all the applications and recommendations are submitted to the various independent high schools, a team of BHS faculty and administrators (including me) calls each high school admissions director about each BHS child who has applied to that high school. This gives us an opportunity to answer any questions that the receiving school may have about an applicant from BHS and also to share anecdotes and other observations about each of our wonderful students.
But, perhaps the best part of the process is when our graduates come back the following fall as 9th graders to attend our Christmas Dance and to meet with me about their high school experiences. It is such a joy to hear from them about how well they are fitting into their respective schools and how well prepared they feel for high school, both academically and socially.
Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the perfect weather!
Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.