CAMINO A LA SECUNDARIA / HIGH SCHOOL CHOICE

Many people think that in choosing a high school, the exploration and decision making process begins in 7th or 8th grade.  The truth is one needs to thing about high school choice in 5th and 6th grade!

Here are steps for parents and students to take when contiplating high school choice:

1) Visit your child's grammar school's counselor. Review your child's grades and discuss your child's likes, dislikes and strengths. Invite your child into that conversation. Consider having conversations with him or her prior to the meeting with the counselor.

2) Enroll your child in an after-school program.  This will strengthen and reinforce good academic and study practices.  There are different after-school programs that focus on the different interests of children. Consider El Valor's after-school program or for a list of after-school programs throughout Chicago click here.  This is important as high schools look at  scores in 7th grade along with your child's ISAT or Terra Nova scores.  The ISAT is the state standardized test that is taken by public elementary school students in grades 3rd - 8th. The Terra Nova is taken by Catholic school students in grades 3rd - 11th. 

3) Visit as many high schools as you can, or at least a minimum of three, that cater to your child's interests and strengths.  Different schools have different philosophies of teaching and environments.  Consider public schools or private schools, charter schools or magnet schools.  Schools focus on different careers - vocational, math and science, social justice, performing arts, the arts etc. Click here for a list of Chicago Area High Schools. Ask for the admissions counselor to make an appointment for a visit.   Make sure to take your child and watch how he or she reacts in each environment.  If there are tuition requirements, ask for scholarship information. 

4) Discuss the high school visits with your child and decide where to apply.  It is important to apply to several and as soon as possible so that your child has the best chance to get into the school of his or her choice.  Follow-up with the counselor. Be respectful yet assertive with the counselor.  They have much on their plate however, we do not want your son or daughter's application to get to deep in their file pile.  

For more guidance on choosing a high school, contact our Youth Enrichment Program at 312.997.2021 and ask for Rosita Nardi.