Upper school comes with new responsibilities, changing friendships, bigger emotions, and important decisions about who you are becoming. I’m here to help you navigate all of it. To learn more about the role of a middle grade counselor, check out this great resource from the American School Counselor Association.
5th Grade: Managing transitions and adapting to change; strengthening time-management, organizational and study skills; and building positive relationships with adults who support success.
6th Grade: Developing effective communication and listening skills; building positive, respectful and supportive relationships; and practicing empathy, collaboration and cooperation.
7th Grade: Building self-confidence in the ability to succeed; setting academic, career and social-emotional goals; making informed decisions; and identifying and overcoming barriers.
8th Grade: Preparing for a successful transition to high school; developing self-advocacy skills; making informed academic and career decisions; and understanding the importance of lifelong learning for long-term success.
These align with the updated ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.
Wake County Public Schools: Enrollment Info
TBD: Initial School Assignment notification
October 1st, 2026: WCPSS Magnet In-Person Parent Information Session
October 10th, 2026: WCPSS Early College Fair - All Early Colleges host information booths
Oct. 15-Dec. 11, 2026: Application window for early college and Crossroads FLEX High School.
Oct. 15-Jan. 21, 2027: Application window for magnet and year-round schools.
Feb. 24, 2027: Notification of results for all application windows
March 1-12, 2027: Second Round Magnet application window and Transfer Application window for Base Schools (for the 2027-28 school year)
Franklin County Schools: Enrollment Info
Non-resident applications must be submitted between January 1st - March 31st to be considered for the upcoming school year.
Franklin County Early College High School:
Information Night: Wednesday, November 19th, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Application Opens: Friday, December 5th
Application Closes: Friday, January 30th
Notify families accepted: Friday, March 6th
FCECHS Waitlist notification: Thursday, March 27th
Information Night: December 17th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Application Opens: Friday, December 5th
Application Closes: Friday, January 30th
Notify families accepted: Friday, March 6th
Waitlist notification: Thursday, March 27th
Charter High Schools:
Raleigh Charter High School: Website
Students are chosen by lottery
Applications are accepted in January and February
Longleaf School of the Arts: Website
Students are chosen by lottery and that date is TBD
Virtual Meetings: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
October 15, 2026
November 19, 2026
December 3, 2026
January 7, 2027
February 4, 2027
In-Person Evening Tour: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
December 10 , 2026
January 12, 2027
February 9, 2027
In-Person Morning Tour: 8:45 a.m.
January 14, 2027
February 11, 2027
February 23, 2027
Private Schools:
Cardinal Gibbons: Admissions Info
October 1: Admissions Morning - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Campus Tour
October 10: Admissions 101: Your Guide to Applying to Gibbons (Virtual) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
November 1: Open House - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
November 12: Admissions 101: Your Guide to Applying to Gibbons (Virtual) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
November 18: Admissions Morning - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Campus Tour
December 10: Admissions 101: Your Guide to Applying to Gibbons (Virtual) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
January 7: Financial Aid & Parish Affiliation deadline (New families), 9th grade Application deadline
February 26: Grade 9 Admission decisions released, Financial Aid awards released (New families)
Saint Mary's: Admissions Info
September 29: Day Student Shadow Day
October 5: Day Student Shadow Day
October 22 & 23: October Overnight and Visitation Day
October 23: Visitation Day (for parents and students)
November 1- December 4: Need-Based Financial Aid Application Window
November 3: Day Student Shadow Day
December 4, : Priority Application Deadline
January 28 & 29: January Overnight and Visitation Day
ESA Families,
If there are other schools not listed here that you would like admissions or enrollment information for, please feel free to email me at kgentry@envisionscienceacademy.com. I’m happy to help you find the information you need.