Anonymous wrote:I think the point is that some kids were shut out.

On the question of the dedicated outplacement counselor: it's certainly helpful, though not mandatory. This is only Sheridan's first year with one. The person doing the job was leading the outplacement team in previous years while also teaching.

The bottom line is k-8s need to get this right to be able to stay viable. That doesn't mean that all kids go to Sidwell or GDS but that all kids go to where they want to go. The great thing about applying for HS is that the criteria expands. Parents are a lot more narrow minded when choosing a school in K. Then they later realize that jr. is a hockey prodigy in a school with no team. Or that DD wants to play volleyball but her K-12 school is last place in the state. Or that the debate team is better at another school. So many more factors in play for HS and that ultimately means that families can find better fits for their kids than when applying to K.

Is it easier to apply form K-8 to a Big 3? Or is it easier to apply out of a K-12? For example, is it easier to apply for Sidwell or Maret from Sheridan or easier from GDS?

Anonymous wrote:Norwood had an outstanding year!
-8th grade parent

Great to hear! (current LS parent planning to stay through 8th)

I think the point is that some kids were shut out.

On the question of the dedicated outplacement counselor: it's certainly helpful, though not mandatory. This is only Sheridan's first year with one. The person doing the job was leading the outplacement team in previous years while also teaching.

The bottom line is k-8s need to get this right to be able to stay viable. That doesn't mean that all kids go to Sidwell or GDS but that all kids go to where they want to go. The great thing about applying for HS is that the criteria expands. Parents are a lot more narrow minded when choosing a school in K. Then they later realize that jr. is a hockey prodigy in a school with no team. Or that DD wants to play volleyball but her K-12 school is last place in the state. Or that the debate team is better at another school. So many more factors in play for HS and that ultimately means that families can find better fits for their kids than when applying to K.

Anonymous wrote:The results speak for themselves.

Not without context, they don’t.

You’re trying to draw conclusions based only on numbers. It’s just not an accurate picture of how good the K-8 school is. There are so many factors that go into whether a student is accepted in a given year. Even with an exceptionally strong applicant pool, the high schools have their own set of circumstances with the rising class. Maybe there’s no turnover that year, maybe they’re boy-heavy, maybe their out of financial aid for that class, &c.

It’s also a question of what you define as success. “Number of kids accepted at a ‘top 3’ school is very different from “number of kids accepted to their first choice school”

Part of the value of a K-8 school is that the kids have a chance to really consider what school fits with their learning style, lifestyle, talents, interests, etc. The teachers know them well and can help them identify which schools those preferences best align with.

There’s a difference between “get into XYZ school, so you have a better chance at an Ivy” and “identify the optimal environment and school program where you will thrive.”