For Middle School Students

High School Preparation Program 

August-May  

The High School Preparation Program includes four sessions with the student throughout the school year as well as two sessions with the student and one or more parents each school year.  The first session includes parents and is structured as an orientation to high school as the path to college.  The final session includes parents and is structured as a presentation of the student’s high school commitments or intentions to their parents.  The four sessions in-between are counseling for the student to help them decide what types of commitments they want to make and what they are most interested in. 

Here are the themes of the high school preparation program:

High School Grades Translate to Money: Especially in an environment with ACT and SAT test scores weighted lower or not even required at some schools, grades matter.  In middle school, students are often told to do their best and that grades aren’t that important.  In high school, grades are your college application, and matter much more.

Course Selection: Often students don’t realize how much course selection matters to their eligibility for various universities or types of programs in universities.  This is an opportunity to explore concretely the relationship between a rigorous high school curriculum and admission to highly selective colleges and universities - as well as success once admitted!

Moving from Exploration to Specialization:  In middle school, most students are encouraged to try out a variety of activities and learn what they really like to do.  By high school, it’s time to decide what you want to commit to in terms of sports, the arts, and other activities and deepen involvement and leadership in a smaller number of activities.

Building a Community Resume: The strongest college applications include leadership beyond school.  Whether the student considers research opportunities or volunteer activities, now is the time to think beyond high school courses and activities.