Getting accepted to Holton-Arms

[Anonymous]

15:15 can you share how low your DD's scores were? some people think 70 is low. This would help as a reference.

[Anonymous]

Are you referring to Holton's ERB?

[Anonymous]

I thought 15:15 was referring to the SSAT, so I'd like to know how low the scores were where DD wasn't accepted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought 15:15 was referring to the SSAT, so I'd like to know how low the scores were where DD wasn't accepted.

SSAT is not used when applying to 4th Grade so 15:15 couldn't have been referring to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:15:15 can you share how low your DD's scores were? some people think 70 is low. This would help as a reference.

Sure, and sorry just now seeing the question. She scored 55th percentile which was consistent with prior testing that put her smack in the middle of the pack from an IQ perspective. Her processing speed however was 27th and that was just too low to accommodate.

[Anonymous]

Are you referring to the WISC IV? I was curious as to how she performed on the Holton ERB.

[Anonymous]

New poster here. I'm hoping to revive this thread to see if current Holton families can weigh in about how difficult it is to get admitted in 6th v 7th v 9th grade?

We noticed that yesterday's open house was very well-attended, and so we are a bit discouraged about the prospect of admission. My DD has good scores and grades, but is a bit reluctant to switch schools since she's content where she is. So she may not come off in the interview as 100 percent enthusiastic. DH and I think Holton would be a great opportunity for her and that we should quickly grow to like it. We know other girls who have gone there and have all liked the school very much.

Contemplating whether to apply in 6th v 7th v 9th. I suspect it's a challenge to be admitted in any year, but wondering if there are more slots in one year than another?

[Anonymous]

Yesterday's Open House was extremely well attended, but do not let that discourage you. Many parents just come to see the school or might be looking at a different grade than you. Overall, it is competitive. I think each grade you mentioned are about the same with the number of girls they admit, but the number of applicants may be greater in 7th and 9th. Of course, your DD may have qualities that the school really desires and that will help her chances even more. Holton is a fabulous school! I do hope your DD gives it a try, if given the chance to attend. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I think the answer to your question really depends on the girl and what will be the best fit for her. Some girls transition well at 6th; a few -- maybe a bit more mature -- might be better off waiting until middle school; and others who are really happy and in a great setting would be fine waiting until 9th grade. There is no set number per grade, although I think the middle school - current 11th grade are larger classes. Holton's numbers are really high right now and I don't think they went to the wait list last year. Your best bet could be applying for 6th or 7th, if you're certain it's what you want.

[Anonymous]

Sunday's open house discouraged me too. Applying for lower school and we both love it. Anxiously awaiting March.

[Anonymous]

My daughter joined in 7th grade and it was a great time to start at Holton. She came in with about 20 other girls, which was more than they took in 9th grade. We didn't experience Lower School but I have heard amazing things and I think having her come in 6th grade would allow her to transition at a time when the girls have a lot less pressure than they begin to have in middle school. If she's not willing to move in 6th, I would definitely urge you to consider 7th because Holton does a great job with middle school. Many private middle schools are 6-8 or 5-8 but I love that Holton is just 7-8 and that they have their own area of the school. Mr Shawe is the middle school head and the girls all love him, for good reason. Coming in 7th will also allow your daughter to become accustomed to the challenging classes before she gets into high school. Holton is very focused on having the girls advocate for themselves, which is great, but it took my daughter a year or two before she understood how to do that and I'm glad she learned that skill in middle school.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD applied for 4th grade but her scores were too low and she needed some accommodation for low processing. However (and this is why I love Holton), the admissions director made a few calls and within days DD was accepted at a school that turned out to be the perfect fit for her. Holton was very kind to us and truly went the extra mile for our daughter even though she was not a viable candidate.

Looking for a school for my DD with low test scores and low processing speed. Any advice you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD applied for 4th grade but her scores were too low and she needed some accommodation for low processing. However (and this is why I love Holton), the admissions director made a few calls and within days DD was accepted at a school that turned out to be the perfect fit for her. Holton was very kind to us and truly went the extra mile for our daughter even though she was not a viable candidate.

Looking for a school for my DD with low test scores and low processing speed. Any advice you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Try McLean

[Anonymous]

What are chances for an over-represented minority with an SSAT in the 50's applying to 9th. A-/B+ averages.

[Anonymous]

We were accepted at NCS and Holton - scores were very good, but they were more impressed with DD's composure and outgoing nature. Friends are at both schools and all parents confirm level of academic difficulty is similar.