Life After Sheridan
“I loved the experience of being involved in choosing my high school. I felt like I was given all of the tools to help make the right decision. This wouldn’t have been possible if I had gone to a school that had ended in 12th grade “
— Sheridan Graduate
More than 95% percent of Sheridan students have been admitted to their first choice high schools in the last five years. Once there, they are flourishing — when visiting area high schools we regularly hear: "We love Sheridan students!"
High School Placement
Helping students apply to and choose the right high school is an important part of a Sheridan education.
High school placement for graduating eighth graders is led by the Head of School and supported by a high school placement team. Beginning in the spring of seventh grade, families work with the team to develop a list of prospective high schools that will be the right fit for their child by considering three aspects of prospective institutions: the academic program, the school culture and the student’s acceptability.
Sheridan offers a Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) preparation course at no cost to families and conducts mock interviews, preparing students to put their best foot forward when they meet with Admissions officers. Additionally, the Head of School personally visits schools to discuss each child’s candidacy.
A Look at the Process
- Summer/Early Fall: Families and students meet with the Head of School and the high school placement team during the summer and early fall to discuss the process and craft a list of prospective schools that match each student’s goals.
- Fall: Students take the Upper Level SSAT
- Fall: Each eighth grader meets individually with a school administrator to learn and practice individual interviewing skills in preparation for student visits to high schools. Topics include the important aspects of each child’s record, personal interests, hopes and expectations for high school and what the student can contribute to their high school community.
- Fall/Winter: Students visit schools on their list for shadow days and interviews.
- Winter: The Head of School and high school placement team personally visit each high school’s Director of Admissions to represent our students applying to each school.
- Spring: Acceptances arrive.