Giving parents a choice. Giving children a chance. HIGH SCHOOL BOOKLET The first step towards College! 2 Dear BASIC Fund Family: We are so pleased that BASIC Fund has been a part of your K through 8 educational experience. We want to make sure you capitalize on your educational foundation by selecting the high school that provides the best fit for you. We hope this booklet will be a useful tool for you as you embark on this important next phase –high school. We wish you all the best! Sincerely, Rachel Elginsmith Executive Director “Intelligence plus character –that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. 3 The transition from private elementary school to high school— either public or private—is a significant and exciting change. Like all transitions, it includes a combination of preparation, excitement and even a little apprehension. The foundation has been laid and the seeds planted. Your high school years will be ones of building on that foundation and blossoming into the young adult who begins to think about the right next steps in terms of college and a career. The following is a guideline to how, where and what to expect while applying to High Schools. We include information for Private, Charter and Public High Schools. We suggest you read through each section carefully. Table of Contents What to Look for in a High School 5 Applying to Private High School 8 List of Private High Schools by County 12 Applying to Charter High Schools 25 List of Charter High Schools by County 26 Applying to Public High School 36 List of School Districts by County & City 39 What to Expect in the Next Four Years 47 High School and College Programs 49 Contact Information 52 4 What to Look For In a High School Before you start making phone calls, collecting application packets, or visiting schools, it is important to sit down and decide what is most important to you when choosing a school. Discuss this with your family and with people you trust. Then decide what your priorities are, and look for a school that meets them. Five important factors to consider when choosing a school are: Academics, Values, Discipline, Location, and Special Features. We offer the following list of questions to consider as you evaluate different high schools. Remember, only you and your family can decide the right answer to these questions, and determine which questions are most important. Academics • How advanced are the classes? Will I be challenged? How much “catching up” will I have to do (if any)? Are different levels available for certain subjects within the same grade? • How much homework do the teachers assign? How do the teachers keep the students accountable for completing their homework? • What teaching methods are emphasized at this school? Do students spend a lot of time doing hands-on activities? Does the school stress basic skills? Is there more emphasis on group learning or individual achievement? Are the teaching methods age- appropriate? What kinds of technology do they use? 5 • How do the classrooms feel? Are the teachers friendly and interesting? Are the teachers qualified to teach their subject matter? Do students seem eager to learn? Do they seem to enjoy their classes and like their teachers? Does the classroom seem to be a pleasant place for your child to spend several hours a day? • How important are grades? How difficult is the grading system? Does the school use letter grades? Is effort factored into grades, assessed separately, or not accounted for on report cards? Values • Is this school associated with a church, denomination, or religion? Is the religious aspect emphasized, or is it more of a historical association? • What will the teachers teach about what is right or wrong? Does this agree with our family values? • Does the school teach sex education? What is the content of those courses? Discipline • What are the rules for behavior at this school? Are there rules about teasing and verbal abuse? Rules about completing homework? Tardiness and absenteeism? Dress code? Using foul language? Pushing, hitting, or other physical violence or rough-housing? Use or possession of controlled substances? • What happens when a student breaks the rules or causes a problem in the classroom? Does the teacher assign 6 extra work? Take away privileges? Assign detentions during recess, or before or after school? Give in-school or out-of-school suspensions? • Do the parents and teachers communicate regularly about the child’s progress and/or problems? Do the teachers respect parents’ opinions and insights? Will they consider parents’ suggestions? • Does the teacher seem to be in control of the classroom and very aware of what the students are doing? Are discipline problems rare? Location • How long will it take to travel from home to the school? From work? • Does the school provide transportation? • Will classmates and friends live in the same neighborhood, or far away? Special Features • Will the school give extra help to students behind in class? Will it be one-on-one tutoring, or extra classes? Before, after, or during school hours? Taught by teachers, adult volunteers, or advanced students? Will it cost extra? • What kinds of extra-curricular activities are available? What sports teams are available? What musical or theatrical groups? Other clubs? Do they cost extra? When do they meet, and how often? What types of technology do they use in class? Are there extra technology courses or equipment required or provided? 7 Applying to Private School A private school is a category of schools that are outside the school district. Schools charge tuition and are able to meet the demands of the state learning objectives using curriculum that is different than the standardized curriculum offered in public schools. Independent Schools A type of private school with NO religious affiliation. Parochial Schools A type of private school that is affiliated with a certain church or parish. When considering private school, it is important you make a list of qualities that you are seeking in a new school environment. This way you know what to look for in a private school because they are all very different. Some Ideas to consider • Smaller class size • More challenging curriculum • Hands-on/Project-based learning curriculum • Innovative technology • Language classes – Mandarin or Spanish • Arts programs • Sports programs The Process 1. Make a list of the important qualities/factors of a school for your son/daughter. What are you looking for? 2. Look up Schools online to read about the curriculum, sports, arts, music and other programs offered. 8 a. Write down questions you can ask during the tour. 3. Find the Admissions or Enrollment Section of the school website a. Read through the process and call the school to ask questions if you have any. Applying to Private Schools 1. Complete one application for each school a. These may be online but you can call the school to see if they have a paper copy available. b. Submission of an essay is required by student applying with application 2. 7th & 8th grade transcripts are required. Some high schools will contact the school directly for this information. You will need to fill out a Transcript Release Form. Make sure that is the case for you. 3. Letters of Recommendation from an 8th grade teacher or school administrator. Some schools require more than one letter of recommendation. 4. Application fee must be paid on line. Ask if a fee waiver is available. 5. Entrance Exam a. Register your child for the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) test or equivalent. b. Not required by all schools, but most do. 6. Student only have to take the test once for all the schools. a. Unless the school requires a different exam. Consult with school. b. There usually is a test fee. Consult with school. You can get a fee waiver from the school that is administering it. c. Consult with the school regarding dates. 7. Family Interview 9 Applying for Financial Aid All private High Schools have financial aid available but you MUST apply on time. 1. Look on website for Financial Aid deadlines 2. Begin financial aid paperwork for schools online a. Parochial Schools – TADS, FACTS, etc. b. Independent Schools – FAST, etc. 3. Attend a Financial Aid workshop at the schools. a. School will teach you how to complete the necessary paperwork 4. If more than one school uses the same form, you must complete the form only once. Speak to the school to make sure this is available. 5. Request a Fee Waiver for the financial aid application from the school you are applying to. 6. Ask the school if there is any other outside financial aid available. Visiting/Touring Schools 1. Sign up to tour schools a. Register online or with a phone call to the admissions office. b. Ask for a translator if you need it! c. Tours take place in the morning usually between 9am & 11am. d. Tours take place from October through January. e. Talk with your boss about this process early because you may need to take days off for this important piece. 2. Arrive on time to school tours and make sure to call or email if you are unable to attend. 10 3. For schools that you really like after touring, sign up online or with a phone call for Open Houses. a. Open House dates can be found on school websites. b. Open houses take place in the evenings or on weekends. c. They give you a different perspective of the school. 4. Begin to save for enrollment deposit.