Applying to High School:
​Navigating High School Admissions can feel overwhelming. It is our objective to provide families with the best resources available.  Below please find information and steps you can take throughout 7th and 8th grade to best prepare you, and your child for this endeavor.   In addition, there will be an information session in 7th grade to support and guide all families through the admissions process.

​Resources for applying to High School
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION:
Extenuating Circumstances:
The DOE requires all students to maintain a minimum of 90% attendance. Falling below 90% attendance is close to missing one month of school. For students who fall close to that number of absences, but for an extenuating reason, such as a chronic illness documented by a doctor, unexpected sickness leading to hospitalization, or a death in the immediate family, schools can check the box and explain the “extenuating circumstance”. Parents who feel they fall into this category can submit a request to our school’s attendance team for review. For normal absences due to common illnesses, no explanation on the application is needed.  All schools know that students get sick from time to time.
Please note: Dates and times for High School admissions events are subject to change. Be sure to check with the individual schools to confirm dates and times.
7th Grade
7th grade standardized test scores, course grades and attendance are used by many high schools in their admission decisions. Students should avoid being late and minimize absences. Anything in excess of 10 combined lateness and absences will hurt your high school application. You can access specific school information in the  2016-17 High School Directory.  InsideSchools.org is an additional resource for students and their families. 

Students may also want to begin thinking about the high school they would like to attend. Some questions students should consider:
  • Am I interested in the school's focus area?
  • Do I want to attend a large or small school?
  • What are the available extra curricular activities? 
  • What is the location of school and commute time?

Students interested in Specialized High Schools should start preparing for the exam as early as possible. Read through the Specialized Schools Handbook, and try one of the practice tests included.  Kaplan  offers a test prep program held on site. Sign up information can be found here.
Students interested in Arts or Performing Arts schools will want to start preparing their portfolios and audition material. Each school’s Directory page or website will give you the details of their portfolio/audition requirements. 



8th Grade
​At the end of 7th grade, all students will receive a hard copy of the High School Directory. Please review the book over the summer and make a list of potential high schools. This should be completed before 8th grade begins in September.

Beginning in August, schools will start to post Open House and tour dates on their websites. It is important to consistently check the schools you are interested in, as it will be impossible for us to alert you about every schools schedule. While some dates are listed in the directory, these are subject to change.  Some school tours book up very quickly, so please be sure to check consistently.

Starting in September, all students will receive an Online Ticket Request Form for those interested in Specialized or audition based schools. This form must be completed in order to receive a ticket for the SHSAT (Specialized High School exam), LaGuardia audition, or any number of other audition schools.

In mid-October, the SHSAT and LaGuardia audition tickets will be distributed to those students who filled out the online ticket request form. Exam and audition dates are listed in the High School Directory and the Specialized High School Handbook. In addition, you will receive your high school application. You should finalize the application by November so that you will have time to discuss your choices with Sarah Maiolo. Applications are usually due in early December and Round 1 and Specialized High School responses are sent out in March.