Dear Eighth Grade Families, 

If you have found this tab on the website, it may be time for your family to begin considering high school options for your child.

The document “To Consider” is a really good place to begin. I’d have that conversation at a calm and quiet time as a family with your student. 

If you are lost in all these details, particularly the application information for the local magnets, this document breaks down what the requirements are for each option, contact info, etc.

For those interested in local high schools, you can see on the left side of this letter Local High School Options and Important Dates to Consider. These documents will be important as you begin to make contact with the different schools and you should monitor the dates for those schools. The deadline for the initial application to the magnet schools is January 6. Click here to view magnet school information and complete the application.

If you are interested in boarding schools, it is never too early to reach out and to line up tours / visits. Make sure your student signs up for our Fall Boarding School tour. And for those interested in boarding school, I suggest you spend some time looking at the website http://www.boardingschools.com. At TLS, we will walk with students through this process, including helping them on SSAT and interview prep, working with them on personal statements, etc. 

If your student is in The Learning Center, Shama Hinard and I will work together to walk your family through the placement process.

I will meet with students early in the year to begin talking with them about their options. I will challenge them to resist the herd mentality and be open-minded about all their options.  I challenge you to do the same. Don’t try to make your child fit a particular school; rather choose a school to fit your child. 

I hope these counseling services and documents will help you navigate better what may seem to be a complicated process for your child’s next educational experience.  I am happy to work with you and your child on the exciting next phase in his/her life.  

Thank you,

Tim Alford