Dear 8th Grade Students and Parents,

During the summer I meet with each family to discuss your hopes and fears regarding the high school admission process. Please complete the Student Response Form and Parent Response Form and email them to; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as an attachment or bring them to our meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for us to look at the options available and the steps we will take in the admissions process. Each of us has an important role to play in the upcoming months.

During this meeting we will identify a broad list of high school options for your family, outline a timetable for the process and address any special needs. This is a first step in the application process, which involves defining the individuality of the student in relation to the high school s/he wishes to attend. We will provide you with a recommended list of schools to consider at the meeting. We will also decode the SSAT flex-test that your child took in May. We will take a look at these scores and the 7th grade evaluations in light of the high schools' perspective.

We want to present each of our students in the strongest light possible, and at the same time maintain realistic expectations given the competitive nature of the Bay Area secondary independent school placement. Nueva's curriculum presupposes that each student will demonstrate competence and skill in all disciplines and mastery in a number of them. We offer an array of co-curricular offerings, and many of our students are engaged in after school activities, as well. The Student Response Form and Parent Response Form will give you a chance to ponder these issues before we meet. This is your homework; our meeting cannot be successful without these forms.

All eighth graders receive a white binder of High School Information. Be sure to read the opening letter and leaf through the pages. There is a lot of useful information in the binder and it will make our job easier if everyone is familiar with the material. Please bring this binder and your completed response forms to the meeting.

Appointments for class of 2009 students will be scheduled in summer 2008.

Students are required to attend this meeting. Remember: We're all in this together.

Another significant element of the 8th grade year is the Recital Project. We will talk briefly during our meeting about ideas your child may have for the project.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Kosut
High School Placement Counselor

P.S. If you are not an eighth grade parent but are interested in viewing a list of high schools, information about the admissions process, or frequently asked questions, please click on the links to the left for more information.