8th Grade

September:

• Family Welcome Evening with the Director and others to discuss the process in more depth, go over detailed logistics and answer general questions and answers.

• Secondary School Panel – representatives from a variety of schools are on campus to talk more and answer questions with students and parents.

• Students and families meet individually and in small groups with the Director to talk about the process, get started on initial lists, discuss and plan visits, prepare for admissions tests, practice interviews and begin applications.

October:

• Annual Secondary School Fair – IDS hosts one of the oldest and largest Fairs in the region with over 60 schools from around Connecticut and the country on campus.

October – November:

• Early November: SSAT offered on campus at IDS.

• Individual meetings and work on applications continue.

• Families continue to visit schools.

• Students contact faculty to write recommendations.

December – January:

• Early December: High School Placement Test for those applying to Parochial schools

• SSAT offered at local schools if needed / wanted.

• Applications due to Director.

• Final visits and contacts with schools.

• Families applying for Financial Aid complete the NAIS/SSS “Parent Financial Statement”

• February:

• All elements of independent school applications due to schools.

• Public school visit and registration process begins if appropriate.

March:

• 10th – Independent School “notification day.”

• “Revisit” days and opportunities to talk further with schools.

• Individual family meetings with Director to discuss options and plan.

April:

• 10th – Families notify schools (and the Director) of final decisions

• Students and families celebrate their decisions!