High School Placement Information for the Class of 2023

PLACEMENT HIGH SCHOOL

CHOOSING THE NEXT SCHOOL

Before you begin the process of choosing the next school, it is important to consider some very basic questions

How can we decide what kind of school our child needs?

It is important to note that the “fit” between a particular school and a child is highly individual. Some questions to consider are:

Academically, is your child a self-starter, working independently without a great deal of reinforcement?

Does your child thrive best with a good deal of adult supervision, attention, and support? Does your child have special abilities or needs that are important in the school you choose (i e chorus, performing arts, visual arts)?

How do you and your child feel about competition? Competitive sports?

Socially, does your child feel overwhelmed by large numbers? Is s/he confident socially? Is s/he independent or very dependent on others and easily led?

What is the school’s approach to religion? Affirmation in terms of a particular faith? Tolerant, but not specific? Does it matter to you or your child?

Is it important to you that there is a mix of students (countries-of-origin, races, religions, or socioeconomic backgrounds)?

How about a single-sex school or a coeducational one?

What are your goals for your child during high school?

Who should make the decision?

We believe the best decision is a collaborative one between parent and child although the ultimate decision belongs to the parent. Ideally, you can agree on a few schools that would be acceptable to all Then, if parents have a strong preference for one over the other, you should be able to explain this so the child can accept it

How can you get information about a school?

Website: School websites are often the best place to start in gathering information.

Admissions Offices: Call the school and ask them to send you information including source descriptions, campus life, extra-curricular activities, and their admission proce

Visits: Many schools encourage or require visits and plan the experience carefully with you and your child

Interviews with faculty and staff: You will usually talk to someone in admissions, or occasionally to another administrator

Students/Parents: You can learn a great deal from talking with a variety of students who currently attend the school - or their parents, who can also give feedback about the admissions experience.

Other information to ask about the school as you conduct your search and visit:

Academic

Opportunities for advanced and independent study

Taking courses with students from higher grades

Tutorial help

Community service

Exchange programs/study abroad

Time to study, socialize, etc

Amount of student choice

Extent of parent information given

Grading/evaluations

Student, faculty, parent relationships

Counseling/advising

Formal methods of communication with parents

Handling of academic difficulties

Discipline philosophy/policy

Faculty

Longevity of the faculty

Degrees and colleges attended

Channels for parent input

Open or closed campus

Social, peer, and community relationships

Open or closed campus

School-sponsored social activities

After-school activities

Service activities

Orientation programs

Internship opportunities

Student government

TIMELINE FOR THE INDEPENDENT AND CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS

The high school consideration and application process can be stressful but it can also be wonderful, exciting, and fun (really, I swear!) There are a few things families can do over the summer to swing the pendulum closer to the wonderful and exciting side.

Summer/Fall 2024

Investigation and Research

As you begin to consider schools, make sure to consider a range of options

Research online or begin conversations with current students / parents

Consider a call or meeting with an administrator at STS Essay/Application Prep

Most school applications ask students to write about similar topics or in response to similar questions Summer is a good time to outline some ideas for application essays Typical essay topics include the following:

Describe a person you admire or who has influenced you a great deal. What makes you the interesting person that you are? (Be sure to include the qualities you like best about yourself ) person that you are? (Be sure to include the qualities you like best about yourself )

Of the things you do in and out of school, which do you care about most and why?

Explain the impact of an event or activity that has created a change in your life and your way of thinking.

Describe your family and your role in it

Extracurricular / Community Service Resume

Every school will want information about: Activities/sports/fine and performing arts

Community service

Honors/awards/elected and appointed positions

Start putting together a list or “resume” of the above including

Length of involvement

Depth of involvement

Leadership positions

See the attached questionnaire to help you to start thinking through this process

Early Fall 2024

Begin the application process. Most Independent school admissions portals open after Labor Day.

Schedule visits (virtual or in person) to the schools

Register for admissions testing (SSAT, ISEE)

Stop by the STS High School Fair

Late Fall/Winter 2024-2025

Finalize applications, including asking for teacher recommendations • Take admissions test. Keep STS abreast of your progress We will send our emails a few times next year to gather information

Winter 2025

Applications completed

Spring 2025

Decision Time! Please let STS know of your family’s decision

Keep an eye out! We are planning a new spring event to help provide feedback for Freshman class placement.

EVERYTHING SCHOOLS WANT TO KNOW AND WON’T BE

AFRAID TO ASK

The key to finding the right school for you is getting to know yourself a little bit better and getting a little bit better at describing yourself to those schools. The following questions are designed to get you started doing just that If you answer them with very short explanations, you will not accomplish your mission The more you go into the “why” behind your answers, the more vivid your self-portrait will be

1) List organized activities and sports in which you participate. Include all activities in which you have a choice, even occasional events for which you’ve volunteered. Be sure to explain why you participate and go beyond “because I enjoy it.” WHY do you enjoy it?

2) What are your hobbies or interests? This question may overlap with #1, but think of what you like to do that you don’t necessarily do formally or with an organized group. Even if you think you “don’t do anything except watch tv and play video games,” think about what you watch and what you play and figure out why you like certain tv shows or video games. Or, if you like spending time with your friends, what does that say about you?

3) Describe interesting trips or summer vacations you’ve had. Again, details are important. The trip to the pyramids was not just “educational;” describe an actual scene from a tour. Learning to windsurf was not just “fun;” describe the feeling of an actual moment you remember. And the trip does not have to be to an exotic place - it’s what you got out of it that matters.

4) What community service have you completed over the past few years? In addition to what you’ve done at school, think about occasional weekend events, such as walks for the homeless, visits to your grandmother’s retirement home to help with the ice cream social, helping your family get groceries for an elderly or sick neighbor. You might also add what kinds of community service you’d like to do in the future – tutoring younger children, helping out in a day care center?

5) Do you work outside of school (babysitting, for example)? Include any summer jobs. Describe them and what you’ve enjoyed about them. Don’t just say “I like helping younger children;” explain why.

6) Are you a member of any organizations or clubs? Do you hold an elected office? How else do you support our community or your own community?

7) Have you won any honors, trophies, or titles? Don’t forget “most improved player summer basketball camp 2018.” Or Science Olympiad.. Or star reader. Put it all down; you can always weed out.

8) Are there any activities/interests that you would like to try - in school or out? Explain what about them intrigues you.

9) What is your favorite book and why did you like it so much? Here, really get at a detailed answer. Was it the plot, the characters, the mood, the message? Did you connect somehow? And what was so good about the plot, the characters, etc.?

13) What have you learned this year in school that is particularly interesting?

14) What do you think you’re good at in school?

15) What do you think you’re not so good at?

16) If you have a favorite teacher or teachers, what qualities in your teacher appeal to you? (Don’t name the teacher here; you can in the actual interview of course.)

17) If you have free time, how do you like to spend it?

18) What do you think your choice above tells you about yourself?

19) If you could talk to any person in history, who would that be? What would you ask?

20) If you could change something about the world, what would it be? Something social (rich and poor; intolerance, etc.), political (more freedoms, improved government, anti-war, etc.), environmental (global warming, alternative energy sources, etc.)?

21) What do you look for in a friend? Describe specific qualities.

22) What do you think those qualities tell you about yourself?

LOCAL SCHOOL OPTIONS

www.raleighcharterhs.org

www.franklinacademy.org

*All of these schools’ admissions process includes registering for a public lottery, with drawings held in late winter, early spring. Check websites for specific deadlines.

REGISTERING FOR YOUR BASE SCHOOL WITHIN WAKE COUNTY

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Information on school assignment can be obtained by accessing the WCPSS School Assignment website at https://www.wcpss.net/Domain/13656, calling the Office of Student Assignment at 919431-7333, or contacting a nearby school. School contact information can be found at https://www wcpss net Click on View Our Schools (Upper Left Corner)

After determining school assignment, the parent(s) or court-appointed custodian(s) should contact the school for an appointment and present the following items directly to the school regardless of grade level of student:

Proof of residence in the form of a recently dated electric, gas, or water bill, a newly signed lease agreement or a signed purchase agreement with a closing date within 45 days or closing statement in the name of the parent(s) or court- appointed custodian (telephone, cable television bill and driver’s licenses do not qualify),

A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, Immunization record,

A copy of the most recent report card or school transcript (if available).

**If you are interested in any of the WCPSS Magnet Programs, once you have registered with your base school, you can find out more information about how to apply at https:// www.wcpss.net/Page/113.

WCPSS Magnet High Schools

Athens Drive

Students interested in a career in health and/or science professions will be interested in this magnet theme Areas of concentration range from agricultural sciences, animal science, global health initiatives, and much more Students in this program become leaders in medical and health science fields. Experiences include: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) pedagogy learning across disciplines, relevant connections between the core curriculum and current topics in medical sciences and global health, community partnerships that offer hands-on learning opportunities, and collaboration with extensive university and corporate partnerships for real-world connections

Southeast Raleigh High School

University Connections: School of Design, Arts & Engineering, leverages college-level expertise to inform the development of magnet course offerings and strengthens overall program rigor Strong and visible partnerships with local colleges and universities as well as businesses provide invaluablele resources. Transdisciplinary thematic curriculum allows students to select and focus on one of the following College and Career Pathways: 1) Design; 2) Arts; 3) Engineering, Math, and Sciences; and 4) Humanities and Social Sciences. Students have opportunities to take specialized courses, interact with experts in these fields, and participate in on-site visits

Enloe High School

This magnet program is rooted in the belief that every student has gifts and talents that are valued and nurtured through this model Students in GT schools explore an extensive menu of electives designed to develop their strengths and interests They have the opportunity to customize their academic programs by choosing elective courses according to their academic needs and interests Beyond intellectual rigor, strong emphasis of the IB Diploma Programme (11th & 12th grades) is placed on the ideals of international understanding, responsible citizenship and service. Students become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants on local and world affairs, respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that make up the world Students who choose to participate in the Diploma Programme can potentially earn an International Baccalaureate Diploma that is recognized by major universities worldwide.

Millbrook High School, Broughton High School, and Garner High School

In the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), for grades 9 and 10, students learn through global contexts, key interdisciplinary concepts, and the application of social, thinking, research, communication, and self-management skills A critical piece of student learning happens through action and service to the community. Students benefit from a wide range of course offerings in the arts, world languages, technology, social studies, science, and physical education During the fifth year of the MYP (10th grade), students complete a personal project that demonstrates initiative, organization, and creativity The IB Diploma Years Programme (DP), for grades 11 and 12, not only offers intellectual rigor, but emphasizes ideals of international understanding, responsible citizenship, and service

The IB DP students become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participants on local and world affairs, respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that make up the world Students who choose to participate in the Diploma Programme can potentially earn an International Baccalaureate Diploma that is recognized by major universities worldwide

Broughton High School

In the Global Studies program, students participate in a world language class and participate in a Global Studies course This course will explore world religions, cultures, and global issues

The purpose is to give students an understanding, respect, and appreciation of multiple geographic regions and cultural areas in an effort to develop an understanding of various challenges that unite and divide the world. The Language Immersion program (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese) will begin when a cohort of students arrive from a participating pathway middle school Beyond intellectual rigor, strong emphasis of the IB Diploma Programme (11th & 12th grades) is placed on the ideals of international understanding, responsible citizenship and service Students become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants on local and world affairs, respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that make up the world. Students who choose to participate in the Diploma Programme can potentially earn an International Baccalaureate Diploma that is recognized by major universities worldwide

Crossroads Flex

At Crossroads FLEX High School, students engage in a hybrid learning experience through both online and in-person learning opportunities. Students work independently and collaboratively to complete assignments at home and at Crossroads FLEX.

WCPSS Application Programs at Base Schools

Sanderson High School

The Academy of Finance is a four year program for students at Sanderson High School. The program provides students with tools that enables them to enter college and the professional world with valuable skills Within the classroom students take courses such as financial planning, business economics, entrepreneurship, and accounting Outside of the classroom students gain real-world skills through experiences such as internships, job shadowing, and field trips to local businesses In addition to learning life-long skills, student join a close-knit group of students that they stay with throughout all four years.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What entrance exam will my child need to take in order to get into the high school of his/her choice?

A: The most widely used admissions tests in this area are the SSAT and the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). However, different schools require different admission tests. For example, Cardinal Gibbons administers the HSPT (High School Placement Test). Be sure to check with a school’s Admissions department to determine which admissions tests are required in their application process

Q: My child took the SAT in 7th grade through the Duke TIP program. Will he/she have to take the SSAT for admission into high school?

A: Yes. If the school of your choice accepts the SSAT for admissions, your child will have to take the SSAT The SAT is NOT used as an entrance exam

Q: What information will STS send to private high schools in which my child is applying?

A: Most area private schools’ application process asks for a student’s transcript, including all standardized test scores, final report cards from the previous 2 years, and a current report card. Most schools also ask for at least 2 teacher recommendations.

Q: How long will STS need to process a transcript request, including teacher recommendations?

A: One week.

Q: How will I know that STS has sent in all of the needed information?

A: Many schools will alert you via email if your application is incomplete You may also call the school to see if your child’s application is complete

Q: My child is applying to Cardinal Gibbons. What information will Gibbons need from STS?

A: STS continues to have a strong relationship with CGHS. The Gibbons admissions department will email the school a list of all the STS students applying to Cardinal Gibbons. STS will send her a copy of each student’s current report card, as well as the final 7th Grade repor However, the remainder of the application remains the same (teacher recommendations, placement exam, etc )

Q: When should I send in my transcript request forms?

A: Transcripts must include a current report card, therefore transcripts cannot be sent until Trimester 1 is over

Q: Can my child visit a high school to see if the school would be a good fit?

A: Yes. As part of the admissions process, most schools will set up a visitation day for your child to shadow a student during a typical school day. This should be arranged with the school(s) of your choice Some public high schools will also allow visits

Q: What other role does STS have in the admissions process to area private high schools?

A: Mr. Coleman, Mrs. Savage, and/or Mr. Nowak will visit or call the admissions department of each school to advocate for each student. We would also be happy to help students with interviews by conducting mock interviews We can also offer support with personal essays

Q: My child will be attending our local public high school. What do I need to know?

A: You must first register your child at your home base school Then fill out the appropriate forms for application to magnet programs. All of this information can be found on the Wake County Public Schools Website. Wake County also has an online Freshman Planning Guide.

Q: My child will be attending public school and we are interested in applying to one of the magnet schools. What do we need to do?

A: You must first register your child at your home base school. Then fill out the appropriate forms for application to magnet programs. All of this information can be found on Wake County Public Schools website, Wake County also has an online High School Program Planning Guide available at: https://drive google com/file/d/1xgMfsFfeuWfmbgdI ByU30PGCGauapFu/view

WCPSS 24-25 High School Planning Guide www.wcpss.net

Q: My child is going to public school? What is block scheduling and which schools have it?

A: 4x4 block scheduling allows students to earn eight credits each year of high school. They will take 4 classes first semester and 4 classes second semester All WCPSS high schools utilize the block schedule with the exception of Broughton, Enloe, Millbrook and Garner These schools run on a 4x4 modified block schedule (A Day-B Day) This allows students to go a whole semester without missing a “core class” or a foreign language).

Schools Attended by St. Timothy’s Graduates

The numbers in parentheses represent the number of St Timothy’s graduates who have attended the school in the past four years

American Heritage School (1)

Athens Drive High School (1)

Avon Old Farms (1)

Baylor (1)

Broughton High School (22)

Cardinal Gibbons High School (110)

Cary Academy (4)

Charles B. Aycock HS (1)

Christchurch School (1)

East Chapel Hill (1)

Episcopal High School (1)

Green Hope High School (3)

Groton School (1)

Leesville Road High School (6)

Longleaf School of the Arts (1)

McCallie School (1)

Millbrook High School (10)

Neuse Charter School (1)

Raleigh Charter High School (6)

Ravenscroft (14)

Research Triangle (2)

Roanoke Catholic School (1)

Sanderson High School (29)

Saint David’s School (5)

Saint Mark’s School (1)

Saint Mary's School (44)

Saint Thomas More Academy (1)

Sanderson (29)

Thales (1)

The King’s Academy, FL (1)

The Salisbury School (2)

Trinity Academy (1)

Wakefield High School (1)

Woodberry Forest (5)