FINDING THE PERFECT PATH: ST.
MARTIN’S HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT
by JIM BYRNE DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT
As students journey through their final year at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, one question takes center stage in many family conversations: “Where to next?” In Atlanta’s diverse educational landscape, this decision carries significant weight for graduating eighth graders. Helping families navigate this process is why the High School Placement Office is an invaluable resource for the St. Martin’s community.
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO THE HIGH SCHOOL JOURNEY
The transition from middle to high school represents more than just an academic advancement—it’s a pivotal moment in a young person’s educational journey. Atlanta has many excellent options for high school. Historical data shows that these schools are eager to enroll St. Martin’s graduates, but one school does not fit all. Every student has unique talents, interests and learning styles. The Director of High School Placement works one-on-one with each eighth-grade student and their family to navigate this crucial transition with confidence and clarity.
Knowing each student personally—their academic strengths, extracurricular passions and individual goals—offers a personalized approach that distinguishes St. Martin’s among other schools. The individual guidance offered leads them toward institutions where they’ll truly thrive, versus a one-size-fits-all formula that does not work. Rather, developing relationships with students throughout their middle school years al -
lows for thoughtful recommendations tailored to each child’s and each family’s specific needs.
BEYOND THE BROCHURES: INSIDER KNOWLEDGE OF ATLANTA’S EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE
Atlanta boasts an exceptional variety of high school options—from prestigious independent schools to specialized public programs and faith-based institutions. Maintaining strong relationships with admissions directors across these schools, the Director of High School Placement and other administrators visit campuses regularly, attend information sessions, and stay current on curriculum developments. This ongoing research gives St. Martin’s families access to comprehensive, up-to-date information and insights beyond what’s available in viewbooks or websites.
These established connections benefit our students in multiple ways:
✔ Understanding of each school’s unique culture and community
✔ Early awareness of program changes or new opportunities at area schools
✔ Clarity about which environments might best nurture each child’s particular gifts
✔ Realistic assessment of admission likelihood based on historical placement patterns
FOR DECADES, ST. MARTIN’S HAS MAINTAINED AN IMPRESSIVE RECORD OF PLACING STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS THAT ALIGN WITH THEIR NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS.”
St. Martin’s placement office recognizes that high school selection is a family decision. Resources are specifically designed for parents navigating this journey, including one-on-one family meetings, panels featuring current high school students and their parents discussing their experiences, and newsletters throughout the year.
STREAMLINING THE COMPLEX APPLICATION PROCESS
The high school application process can be daunting, involving numerous opportunities to interact with different high schools, deadlines to meet, and requirements to complete. St. Martin’s placement office provides structure and support through:
✔ Facilitation of on-campus visits to St. Martin’s by representatives of Atlantaarea independent schools
✔ Hosting the annual on-campus Boarding School Forum, attended by twelve southeastern boarding schools
✔ Guidance on school visits and interview preparation
✔ Management of transcripts and teacher evaluations
✔ SSAT preparation and assessment requirements
Parents consistently report that having a knowledgeable guide through this complex process significantly reduces family stress and ensures no critical steps are overlooked.
For decades, St. Martin’s has maintained an impressive record of placing students in schools that align with their needs and aspirations. Alumni frequently share how the high school placement director helped them discover institutions where they could develop both academically and personally.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE ST. MARTIN’S ADVANTAGE
As students progress toward graduation, St. Martin’s is committed to upholding the tradition of thoughtful, student-centered guidance. By fostering relationships with Atlanta’s diverse high schools and maintaining a deep understanding of each student’s unique profile, our placement office ensures that St. Martin’s graduates enter their high school years positioned for success.
The value of this personalized guidance extends beyond the immediate placement— it teaches students important lessons about self-reflection, goal-setting, and finding communities where they can authentically contribute and grow.
For parents considering St. Martin’s Episcopal School for their children, our placement office represents one of the school’s most significant advantages: the assurance that when it’s time to take the next step, your child will have knowledgeable, caring professionals helping them find their perfect path forward.
MEET JIM BYRNE
With over three decades of experience in independent school education, Jim Byrne brings unmatched expertise and deep Atlanta roots to his role as Director of High School Placement at St. Martin’s.
• 35+ years in independent schools, including leadership, teaching, and coaching roles
• Most recently served as Director of Enrollment and Operations at Marist School
• Former middle school math teacher for 10 years and coach for both middle and high school teams
• Past Chair of the AAAIS Admissions Group, connecting him with leaders across Atlanta schools
• Began his career teaching at St. Patrick’s College, an all-boys boarding school in New Zealand
• A lifelong Atlantan and proud alumnus of both Marist School and St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School