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Upper School Transition
2023-24Top of Page
From Principal Pedersen...
With school in full swing, I know that many parents are starting to think about what middle school might hold for their child next year. While it is our sincerest hope that all of your children remain with us at Woodside for their middle school years, we understand that some families explore private options for grades 6-8.
If you are considering this option and think that your child might explore the idea of applying to private schools for next year, I have set up 1-1 meeting times to discuss that process and the relevant school deadlines that need to be met in order for us to support you in your applications. If you are interested in talking about the application process, please sign up for a meeting HERE. These meetings will take place in person, but please feel free to email me directly at jpedersen@woodsideschool.us if you'd prefer to have a Zoom meeting instead.
For those of you who want to learn more about our Upper School program, we will host a "Meet the Upper School" session for parents on Wednesday, November 8th. Please save the date!
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to reach out.
The application and decision process can be arduous and sometimes confusing. In order to help make this transition as easy as possible for students and parents, we have created a synopsis of the private Middle School application process. Below you will find important information and dates to help the transition process.
- Families should monitor private school websites regarding admission beginning in September.
- Families considering private schools must sign up for a Ravenna account. Many of the local private schools process their applications through Ravenna.
- Schedule shadow dates with the private schools, and try to schedule these dates on Woodside School holidays or minimum days whenever possible. Most schools now require that you pay the application fee before your child is allowed to shadow. In addition, it is a good idea to try and space out the shadow days so that students don't miss multiple days in succession. Also, please notify your child's teachers well in advance.
- Plan to attend Open Houses at any schools being considered. Some schools require registration to attend.
- Follow instructions regarding submitting teacher and administration recommendations and transcript forms. It is vital that you complete the transcript release form so that Woodside School can send your child's report cards to prospective schools.
- Begin student/parent applications for private schools. Be sure to complete the applications by the appropriate deadline.
- Complete financial aid paperwork, if needed.
- Register for testing according to what each private school requires (e.g., ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT).
- Private schools will notify students of their acceptance in mid-March.
- Elvira Martinez, the Student Data Coordinator, compiles information regarding each student and the schools he or she is applying. For detailed information regarding what parents need to do, please see the Middle School Transition Packet. Once you have a Ravenna account, please see the Ravenna instructions, and all students have to fill out a Student Biography form and turn it into Elvira Martinez (DATE CHANGES BY YEAR). Finally, all parents must fill out a Private School form so that we know which schools you are applying to and turn them into Elvira Martinez (DATE CHANGES BY YEAR).
- Please notify Elvira Martinez as to which schools your child was accepted, wait listed, or denied. In addition, please notify Elvira as to which school your child will attend.