Reply to K–8 to private HS: When is best time to switch?

Forum Index » Private & Independent Schools

Reply to "K–8 to private HS: When is best time to switch?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]A few items to consider if you would be applying to a K-12.

If applying to a K-12, Are there expansion years in both middle school and also in the high school years? Or is it by attrition? Does one of those two years have a much higher number of new admits?

Private schools are rather small in the DMV and so considerations related to the social dynamics at play are worth consideration.

We've been at a K-12 since early elementary, and here's what strikes me:
1- Middle school is an easier admit.
2- Middle school is a time when relationships are in flux and pressure is less extreme than high school. Parents are also still involved. 
While it is absolutely possible for your kid to make friends and become part of the community in high school, parents and kids often make connections sooner when entering in middle school than in high school.

Pressure is also more intense in high school but schools with high school summer bridge programs make the transition go more smoothly.

3- Contrary to what others have said, some K-12 schools actually are great at the middle school level.

We could really see the value in middle school, both academically and with the social-emotional programming.

Also, at our school, middle school was the training ground to help develop the executive function, self-direction, and holistic approach to learning and growth DD would need for HS. This may or may not be the case at every school but do ask about linkages between MS and HS as well as philosophy of the middle school.

4- If you have an outgoing child or a child with a very specific talent, either transition point will work.

5- Kids who have been at the school for a while  are receptive to new blood at both transition points.

Final note: Since kids attend a myriad of schools in the area, your child will likely maintain several friends group, which is great.It is also extremely helpful for your child's ability to gain perspective and sidestep some drama during the teen years.

Good luck!
[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics