A Guide To High School Admissions

A Guide To High School Admissions

Tips To Transition Successfully

Table of Contents Introduction | 2

Our Vision

High School Admissions Calendar | 3-4

This guide has been prepared to assist Ridgefield

Gathering Information | 5

Academy families with the high school placement process. Every attempt has been made to provide our

Interview Process | 6

families with useful and accurate information about high schools, their admission policies and deadlines.

Tips For Students Visiting Schools | 7

All information is subject to change; families should

Frequently Asked Questions | 8

verify all information directly with schools and testing organizations.

Tips For Parents Visiting Schools | 9 Admissions Criteria | 10 Four Guiding Principles | 11 The Application | 12

"Ridgefield Academy prepared me very well for high school at Greens Farms Academy - both in the classroom and on the field. I was able to take the advanced math class Algebra 2 as a freshman as well as Biology Honors. Señora Brooks prepared me very well for conversational Spanish that allowed me to fit right in with my Honors Spanish class."

Recommendations | 13 Testing - SSAT | 14 Financial Aid | 15-16 Public School Procedures | 17 Decision Time | 18 School Assessment Form | 19

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY ALUMNUS

Stay Connected | 20

1

Introduction In seventh and eighth grade, Upper School students begin to consider their academic journeys beyond Ridgefield Academy. It is an exciting time! This

Our Mission

handbook serves as a guide to help and prepare students and families for the opportunities and

The Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool

challenges ahead. Based on our experience and

community celebrates childhood, pursues

positive feedback from alumni, we are confident this

excellence, and cultivates kindness. Our educational

carefully sequenced process will present good insight

program is intellectually inspiring, and we foster

into the world of high school education and the

joyful learning and mutual respect in all that we do.

selection of the right “fit.”

We empower each student to rise to their authentic self, preparing confident graduates who shape their

Ridgefield Academy offers one of the most thorough

future with ingenuity and integrity.

and comprehensive high school placement programs in Fairfield County. As students enter Upper School, the Head of School and the Head of the Upper School lead them through a sequence of steps designed to help prepare, investigate, and consider a wide range of options. Given our proximity to many private day schools, some of America’s leading boarding schools,

"RA students are strong, independent, and wellprepared for the future."

and several highly rated public school systems, our students are presented with compelling choices.

Throughout the formative pre-school to Grade 8

THE ETHEL WALKER SCHOOL

years, Ridgefield Academy builds the foundation, step by step, for students to emerge self-assured and

"RA students are strong leaders, curious, risktakers."

academically prepared for success in any high school setting. For every eighth grader, it is our commitment to find a school that is the right “fit” for each individual.

HOTCHKISS SCHOOL

Tom Main Head of School Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool

2

Grade 7

High School Admissions Calendar

October

Attend RA’s Annual High School Admissions Fair

January February

General parents meeting - placement process Take the FlexTest (SSAT Benchmark Test)

March April

May

June August

Individual parent meetings with Head Of School/Head Of Upper School

RA sponsored boarding school tour w/ Head of Upper School

Summer preparation for SSAT Research schools via the web and social media Gather application information

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Grade 8

High School Admissions Calendar

September

October

November December

January February

Individual parent meetings with Head of School/Head of Upper School Students meet weekly with Head of Upper School through December Make school interview/visit appointments

Attend RA’s annual High School Admissions Fair Take the SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test)

Communicate schools applying to and online application tool used (Gateway, SAO, etc.)

Submit teacher recommendation requests online Complete applications

Public school meetings and course selection Day School decisions

March

Day and Boarding school decisions Re-visit opportunities, if offered

March April

Families must return their enrollment contract and tuition deposit to the school of their choice Students should write a brief note of thanks to any school that has sent a letter of acceptance and notify the school of a decision to go elsewhere Families should notify RA of the student’s final decision and the results of all applications

4

Gathering Information In the latter part of the seventh grade year or the following September, students should use school websites to learn about specific schools and gather relevant programmatic and

Which school should I choose?

admissions information. Students or their parents may also want to visit school social

Many factors determine where students

media accounts to see current day-to-day

should apply to high school, including size,

activities. This information will give good

location, family association, academic

insight into the nature of each school and will

program, and type of student body.

help begin the process of selection.

We recommend the CAIS (Connecticut

View a comprehensive list of factors here >>

Association of Independent Schools) or NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) website for a complete listing of member schools. The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) provides a complete listing of boarding schools in the country.

Calling and/or emailing schools for these materials is also appropriate.

Interested in a particular school?

Follow their social media accounts for insight into what daily campus life looks like!

View an extended list of private schools >>

5

Do...

The Interview Process The interview will focus on two areas – the

Plan well in advance. Make requests for an

student and the school. Students should be

interview and visit early, in August or

prepared to discuss their academic history,

September. Please note: boarding schools

extracurricular involvement, and personal

have a limited number of Saturdays

attributes. They may be asked about a book

dedicated to campus visits.

they would recommend, their families, or future

Ask if there is an Admissions Open House

plans. For the interview questions pertaining to

to attend if you are not certain you will

the school, a thorough review of the school’s

make a formal application or visit.

literature is essential. Students should be

While teachers expect absences, try to take

prepared to explain why they are considering

advantage of Ridgefield Academy’s school

that particular institution with an

holidays to plan your visits.

understanding of the school, culture, and

Make note of the correct spelling of the

offerings. The interviewer will also ask if the

interviewer’s name and/or email address,

student has any questions about the school,

as well as the name of the tour guide.

and students should be prepared with

Students should always send thank you

questions that are not readily answered by the

notes via mail or email after the visit.

school’s literature or website. Parents who are courteous, prompt, thorough, pleasant, kind, respectful, and honest can do a great deal to enhance their child’s application.

The interviewing policy at each school varies.

Tip for Parents

We have included a list of questions students may be asked, as well as questions they may want to ask during a typical interview.

When it comes to the interview, some students may be apprehensive. Remind your child that the admissions counselors are professionals who are interested in learning about who your student is as a person and discovering your student’s strengths.

Students will have the opportunity to practice interviewing skills one-on-one with the Head of Upper School virtually or in-person.

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Tips For Students Visiting Schools

Preparation Preview the school through the website, social media, and print materials. Identify key ideas and take notes.

Think about your strengths, your interests, and your needs. How might this school support you?

Keep an open mind - you are looking for the best school for you.

Dress neatly. Conform to the school's dress code. If you are not sure what to wear, call or email the Admissions Office.

At The Interview Be alert to: • people: students, teachers, tour guides • places: classrooms, student centers, sports fields, art facilities, etc.

After The Interview Talk with your parents, your teachers, or the Head of Upper School.

• pace: to the energy of the place, how people walk, talk, behave

Be an independent thinker. Take notes. Form your own opinion.

Ask questions and listen.

Be yourself.

Write a thank you note to the school interviewer & tour guide.

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What are your special interests?

What are your strengths?

Who are your heroes?

Are you a leader?

What were your impressions of the tour?

In what ways could you contribute to this school?

Why are you considering this school?

What do you like to read?

What is your favorite movie, book? Why? Tell us about your family.

How do you spend your summers?

Questions Students May Be Asked

What is the usual course load?

How often are advanced placement courses in English/U.S. History, etc. offered?

Does the school help with college guidance?

Can you describe student access to music/athletic facilities?

How many students are there in introductory first year courses?

Questions Students May Want To Ask 8

Are first year students automatically assigned an advisor?

How many students does each advisor counsel?

What structures are in place to support the transition of new students?

Tips For Parents Visiting Schools Arrive on time.

Ask questions which encourage the Admissions Office to discuss culture, priorities and school mission:

Read the school’s mission carefully.

Do not oversell your child.

What type of student thrives in this school?

What are the current topics of interest at this school for students? Faculty? Parents?

Why do your teachers choose to work at this school?

Do not expect or insist on an interview with the Director of Admissions.

Do not disparage the school you are visiting, your child’s current school or any other school.

Do not send video to the school unless specifically requested.

Let your child speak for themself.

Do not repeatedly question the student tour guide about a particular school or aspect of the school.

Do not send gifts to admissions officers or coaches.

Be forthcoming with all schools about important information.

Be pleasant and gracious to all faculty and staff.

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Admission Criteria

Academic Record

The more you know about how admissions

• Quality and range of courses

committees review a student’s application, the

• Consistency of performance

better your application is likely to be. Despite

• Improvement of performance

the great differences among schools, they all look to the same criteria in an effort to create a well-rounded class. Please note that academic

Recommendations

record and recommendations are decidedly the

All require one from both the current English and

most important factors. The list at right

Math teachers; most encourage a third

contains the most salient features schools

recommendation of your choice.

typically examine.

Extracurricular Activities • Degree of involvement on campus • Summer activities Testing Profile (SSAT)

Keep In Mind...

Quality of Applications - The Essay(s)

Academic records and recommendations are decidedly the most important admissions criteria.

Other Factors • Demonstrated academic or scholarly achievement • Member of minority group/foreign student • Child of alumnus/alumna • Sibling of past or current student • Athlete/Musician/Performer • Outstanding social contribution • Unusual background • The Gamble (While some aspects of the candidate are lacking, the Admissions Office takes a calculated risk based upon something special about the candidate.)

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Four Guiding Principles

Follow The Directions Every school has different protocols and procedures. Do not give the admissions office a reason not to take you seriously.

Do Not Apply To A School You Do Not Wish To Attend Sounds obvious, but do not risk adding a school to your list should it turn out that is your only option.

Do Your Best, And Remember...

This is a process you are ultimately unable to fully control. Despite all the strategic planning, careful consideration, influence and networking, the outcomes are held by the school, not by you.

Be Prepared To Change Your Mind...Often!

You will grow significantly in the fourteen month process and will become more and more open to new ideas.

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The Application The Essay

Each school has its own particular application that contains many different portions. Your child may not have needed to fill out this many

The essay reveals both intellectual analysis and

applications before, so it will be important to

technique. Most importantly, the essay needs

remain organized throughout this process.

to be written in the voice of the student, no one

Help your child create a file system and a

else's. Keep in mind that the SSAT has a

master sheet with deadlines and task

writing component which will be shared with

assignments throughout the fall term.

the school and can be used for comparison.

Parents are encouraged to read and assist in

Tips and Suggestions for Students

the process of editing, but the tone and content must be a student's own.

Review and note all requirements for each Graded Writing Examples

school to which you are applying.

Allow plenty of time to contemplate and complete the application.

Often a school will request the student submit

Be sure to thoroughly and accurately

a graded writing sample. This paper should be

complete each piece.

a product of the student's best writing and

Do the work yourself. Some institutions are

thinking. As a courtesy, inform teachers that a

offended by the slickness of some

a copy of their graded assignment is being

applications, which are obviously prepared

submitted.

by professionals or parents.

Tip for Students While it is natural to want to submit a paper with your highest grade with an application, consider submitting a paper that is the product of your best writing and thinking.

"When I first started high school, I was apprehensive about getting involved. We had to sign up for clubs in the first week of school and I signed up to be a buddy. Even though I had only been there for a month, I toured people who visited, even RA students, showed them the school and came to know it like the back of my hand. I also auditioned for the musical and decided to go for the lead.

It got me to where I wanted to be but I had to get out of the scared mindset and take a risk. And it worked out."

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY ALUMNA

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Recommendations Students should provide the Head of Upper

Other Recommendations: Alumni/alumnae

Schools with a list of potential schools they will

recommendations should be considered

be applying to and the online application tools

carefully. It is in a student's best interest if the

(Gateway, SAO or online school specific) used

alumnus can clearly show knowledge of the

to apply. Additions and deletions to this list can

candidate. Remember that a student's

be made at any time. Most importantly,

application will be accepted based on their

teachers should be given plenty of advance

strengths, not those of others.

notice. Applicants should ask teachers for recommendations by November 15.

Change in Application: If at any point during this process a student decides not to complete

Teacher Recommendations: Required

an application to a particular school, please

recommendations can be requested online

notify the Head of Upper School.

through Gateway, SAO, etc. Students should send English and Math Recommendations to their current Grade 8 teacher of that subject.

Principal Recommendation requests should be sent to the Head of Upper School and School Report/Transcript Release requests to the Head's Assistant. If there is an extracurricular

Tip for Students

recommendation option, teachers should be chosen carefully. Students should let the Head's Assistant know of any additional recommendations requested from a teacher or coach. We have asked teachers to candidly respond if they cannot write a positive recommendation. Please do not consider such a refusal a personal rejection; consider it a favor.

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Select a teacher who knows you well, who can provide specific examples of your abilities (perseverance is an admired quality), and who will present you in a favorable light. It is not always best to ask the teacher who gave you the best grade.

Testing (Private High School) In addition to a student’s transcript, most

Seventh graders are given the opportunity to

secondary schools will require a standardized

take a practice SSAT in the winter as a practice

test score. We recommend taking the

exercise. Eighth graders take the SSAT in

Secondary School Entrance Exam (SSAT) for

October here at Ridgefield Academy during the

all schools except selected parochial schools

school week, and these test scores can be

(Laurelton Hall, Fairfield Prep, Fordham Prep,

shared with the schools of the student’s choice.

etc.) that require their own specialized testing

Students can retake the SSAT in November,

on specific Saturdays during the fall term.

December, and/or January if they desire to improve their scores.

Day schools in our region may encourage registering for the Independent School

Please share test scores with us by including

Admission Test (ISEE) but in our experience,

Ridgefield Academy on the list of schools to

they will accept either the SSAT or the ISEE.

receive testing results. We keep this

Since all boarding schools use SSAT and many

information in strictest confidence. Tracking

of our students apply to both boarding and day

student scores helps us counsel and advise

schools, we feel it is sufficient to prepare for

future students.

only one exam: the SSAT.

Calendar Alert!

Grade 7 students have the opportunity to take a practice SSAT in the winter. Grade 8 students take the official SSAT in October at Ridgefield Academy during the school week.

"At my high school, our motto is "Pro Vida Non Schola Discimus," which translates to “We do not learn for school, but for life.” I feel like this motto can be applied to RA. It is not just about getting an A on the next test. RA teachers help you with more complex life decisions like choosing which school you want to go to or choosing a college."

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY ALUMNUS

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Financial Aid

In addition to filling out the SSS, Financial Aid

Many families cannot afford the cost of full

Applications should be filled out for the various

tuition for a secondary education and must

schools to which students are applying. These

consider financial aid. The financial need is

should be submitted to the schools by their

determined by subtracting what the parents

deadlines.

can realistically afford from the cost of the education.

Action by the School Financial Aid Officer

The most important advice for applying for financial aid is also the simplest. Apply on time, apply for many opportunities, and fill out all

First, students must be admitted to the given school before a financial aid package is put together. The financial aid officer must have

applications as honestly and completely as

the SSS findings in hand and any forms

possible. Financial aid is parceled out at most

particular to that institution. It is up to the

schools from February to April in advance of the upcoming academic year. To qualify for any available aid, families complete the SSS (School and Student Service for Financial Aid).

Online applications can be completed on the

financial aid officer to put together the “package” of aid. Aid can be influenced by the resources available to that school – i.e., its endowment. Generally, the more selective, higher- priced institutions are often more

SSS website. Essentially, the SSS is a detailed

heavily endowed and in a better position to

review of federal income tax forms; need is

offer more extensive aid.

computed on the basis of a standard formula.

The formula takes into account many factors

If the requirements for aid qualification are met,

including parental income, other assets, cash

the financial aid officer may offer a specific

savings and checking accounts, number of

amount of money arranged in a number of

children attending higher institutions, independent schools, etc.

ways. A typical “package” includes a

On the SSS, there is a place to request the

from the school.

combination of loans and non-repayable grants

information to be sent to designated schools.

Institutions set their own deadlines for financial aid requests so you must check beforehand to determine each school’s deadline.

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Visit SSS Online At:

Financial Aid (Cont'd) Things to Remember Virtually all schools require that students and their parents complete the confidential financial aid form, (the SSS), to determine financial need. This form only needs to be completed once a year, and the schools who receive this information can be designated.

Schools tend to interpret the data from the processing service differently, and this may cause the estimated family contribution to be lower or higher than the figure indicated by the processing service.

The financial need is usually assumed to be lower if the income is high. Yet, a high income does not always mean you will not show a need. A large family, more than one child in college at a time, extraordinary expenses, and parents nearing retirement will all affect the estimated need.

If you feel there is a remote chance that you will qualify for financial assistance, submit the required financial aid application.

Do not be embarrassed to request assistance. The information provided is always kept confidential, and you will not be alone.

Many schools require a copy of a Federal Tax Return (1040) for their financial aid records, and on occasion, they may ask for additional supplemental data from the family.

"I think RA prepares you perfectly. There is no better word for it. RA distinguishes itself by going beyond the teaching material and why it is applicable to life.

There are so many teachers here who beyond the curriculum and it really helped me understand the concepts instead of just learning them."

"RA really did a great job preparing me for the necessity of self-sufficiency and figuring out how much I can do and how much I can’t do. RA’s requirements prepared me to figure out what I wanted to do and don’t want to do. I felt nearly 100% prepared for what high school had to throw at me at the beginning of freshman year and I owe it to Ridgefield Academy."

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY ALUMNA

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY ALUMNUS

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Public School Procedures While public schools do not engage in a selective admissions process, we do recommend that students and parents try to understand as much as they can about their home school district before you officially enroll your child. We ask that you meet with us at any time to help plan for a smooth transition. The High School Guidance Office will serve as the primary source for information.

We recommend the following steps: Contact the school's local guidance office to request a description of courses and any other materials that describe programs (athletics, clubs, activities, etc.).

Ask the Guidance Office if they would permit a tour of the school and if students are permitted to visit a class or two. In some cases, schools may ask families to designate a current student in the school system that could serve as a "tour guide" . (If there are several students considering the same public high school, we will ask that they consider a group tour.)

Find out when registration is recommended for the following September.

Ask when students new to the school system will be eligible to select courses. If students are considering honors placement, ask whether the school relies solely on teacher recommendation and transcript evidence of proficiency, or whether they will administer their own placement exams.

If the public schools require RA to submit recommendations, students must meet with the Head of the Upper School and the relevant teachers. Generally, this takes place during the spring trimester.

Once again, we highly recommend meeting with us at any time to explore all options.

View an extended list of public schools >>

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Decision Time

Accept When a student has been offered the opportunity to join a school and is excited to attend, sign and complete the enrollment agreement and return it with a deposit promptly.

Decline If a student is accepted but decides to go elsewhere, it is considerate to write a prompt and gracious thank you note to the Director of Admissions. The note should thank the school for their offer but inform them you have decided to go elsewhere. Keep in mind there are likely many students on a waitlist eager for your spot!

Waitlist Students who are placed on a waitlist for their first choice school should follow the instructions from the school regarding the procedures for remaining an active and interested candidate. It is appropriate to write a brief note to the Director of Admissions emphasizing your desire to either remain on the waitlist or be removed. If you choose to remain on a waitlist, but have to make a decision on other schools that have accepted you, speak with the school immediately to work through the appropriate means of informing all parties of your desires.

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Stay Connected!

As you move through high school, college, and your adventures beyond, keep in touch with us at Ridgefield Academy!

Send us an email, an update, or a photo and tell us where you are and what you're doing!

And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

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Appendix - School Assessment To be completed soon after your visit. You can print additional copies of this Assessment here.

School Name:

Date of Visit:

In one word, how did your visit go in general? ___________________________________ Could you imagine yourself as a student at this school?

Yes

Do you think this school would challenge you as a student?

No Yes

Was the overall size of the school too big, too small or just right?

Unsure No

Unsure

Too Big

Too Small

Just Right

What were the other students you observed like? _________________________________________________________________________________________ What did you think of the facilities? _________________________________________________________________________________________ If observed, what did you think of the teacher - student relationships? _________________________________________________________________________________________ What did you think of the extra-curricular activities (i.e. sports, clubs, performing arts, etc.) _________________________________________________________________________________________ Was the location of the school desirable to you and your parents?

Yes

No

Unsure

Boarding School Questions What did you think of the dorms? _________________________________________________________________________________________ What did you think of the dining hall? _________________________________________________________________________________________ What was your impression of weekend activities? _________________________________________________________________________________________ What was the day vs. boarding ratio? Is that an issue for you? _________________________________________________________________________________________ Can you recall anything that happened during your visit that will help you remember this school? _________________________________________________________________________________________

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Ridgefield Academy 223 West Mountain Road Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.894.1800 www.ridgefieldacademy.org