Life after Accord: High School Planning

You are NOT on your own for high school planning… We are as involved as you’d like us to be!

Planning for high school can feel like leaving the nest when your child has been at The Accord School! But there is no need to worry- we have many happy, successful alumni in high school, college, and beyond who are living proof that a great post-Accord experience is out there to claim!

When planning for life after Accord School, we will walk with you, step by step.

  1. September of 8th Grade: Start Thinking.
    Make a list, with and without your child, of everything you want their high school experience to be! Don’t get caught up in public or private, hometown or boarding, just write down everything that comes to mind: sports, extracurriculars, academic options, skills you’d like them to develop, proximity to home.

  2. Late September/Early October: Parent Meeting

    Make a plan for an initial meeting (30-60 minutes) with Katy Boucher to share your thoughts. Link to Katy’s calendar here. We will go through your list, and brainstorm options for your individual student. After this meeting, you will have a “homework” sheet: it may include checking out websites, talking to alumni and parents, or researching open house and testing dates. This meeting can be in person or online.

  3. Late October/Early November: Student and Parent Meeting
    Your Accord 8th grader will sit down with Katy and parents to talk through options and make plans. Students applying to private high schools or selective public high schools will need to be aware of application deadlines and requirements.

  4. November: Advisory Visits with Interview Preparation
    Katy will visit students in advisory class to support students during application process. All eighth graders will practice interviewing skills, regardless if they need to have an interview for school applications. Heather is available to support students with essay guidance as needed.

  5. December: Complete Applications for Admissions. 
    Students and their Family prepare applications in time for individual school deadlines. All paperwork that is required of Accord staff (recommendations, checklists, etc) must be forwarded at least two weeks before the application deadline.

  6. March-ish: Hear Back from most private and selective public high schools, make plans, and celebrate the future!