Three Park Day alumni speak about their experience transitioning from Park Day to High School.
The goal of our High School Transition process is to help each student and family find the school that is a great match for THEM! Students begin to think about high school at the end of 7th grade when they receive an Orientation to the High School transition process. During the fall and winter of 8th Grade, students participate in High School Advisory, where they can learn about various types of schools, hear directly from high school representatives who visit, and receive support preparing for the private school application process (writing application essays, preparing for interviews, etc.). In addition, students are invited to set up additional 1:1 meetings with the High School Transition Counselor to get support and advice.
Along the way, Park Day also offers support for parents, including a High School Transition Orientation presentation in the spring of 7th grade, a High School Info Night at Back to School Night, and a Park Day Student Alumni Panel (featuring recent PDS grads) in the fall of 8th grade. Parents are encouraged to bring their questions and concerns to regular virtual and in person chats about high school led by the High School Transition Counselor. Along the way and starting in the spring of 7th grade, families have individual meetings to confer with the Counselor about their individual student’s needs.
Our High School Transition Counselor works closely with Park Day faculty and staff so that our 8th graders find their way as they navigate the transition out of Park Day and into high school.