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Next Stop: High School

Created By: Countdown to High School Presented By: Mrs. Moses and Ms. G

9/2013 High School Factors Letter Objective: SWBAT identify and prioritize the factors they should consider when choosing a high school.
Do

Now: You have $150 to buy a new pair of shoes. What factors do you take into consideration when deciding what shoes to buy?
minutes)

(5

Factors
Style
Comfort Popularity Price You

would never buy a shoe without weighing the factors, shopping around, and trying a bunch on, right?? why would you choose a high school without shopping around?

So

8th Grade Is Just Getting Started!

So why are we already talking to you about high school?
Complexity:

The high school choice process in Boston is complicated, and you need support in figuring out how to choose a high school. High school matters. Where you attend high school may directly affect your academic success in high school, and your preparedness for college. YOU have the ability to investigate the high school options in Boston, and determine which will be the best fit. Dont let someone assign you to a schoolmake an educated decision!

Importance:

Empowerment:

High Schools in Boston

Large,
Large Exam Pilot

Comprehensive Public High Schools

High Schools Broken into Small Learning Communities Schools Schools and Parochial Schools Schools

Charter Private

Large, Comprehensive Public High Schools

Examples:

Brighton, East Boston, English, Burke

Advantages: Have

many extra-curricular opportunities for studentssports, clubs, internships, etc. Offer a wider variety of courses.
Disadvantages:

Teachers

have large numbers of students to keep track of; if your child is not a strong advocate for his/herself it is easy to get lost.

Large High Schools Broken into Small Learning Communities

Examples:

South Boston, West Roxbury, Dorchester

Advantages:

are 3-4 schools within a school, each with its own specific theme and staff. At some schools, the theme is strong, and evident in the schools courses and programs.
There Disadvantages: Small

schools sometimes lack the extracurricular opportunities that large schools offer

Exam Schools
Examples:

Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, John D. OBryant School for Math and Science
College

Advantages:

preparation, academic rigor, many resources

Disadvantages:

Youre

on your own mentalitylimited guidance and support available for struggling students.

Pilot High Schools

Examples:

Fenway, Boston Arts Academy, New Mission, BCLA

Small

Advantages:

student population Strong focus on college preparation

Disadvantages: Must

complete an application to be considered for admission Lack some of the extracurriculars of larger high schools

Charter, Private, and Parochial Schools

City on a Hill, MATCH, Winsor, North Cambridge Catholic, Catholic Memorial
Small

Examples:

Advantages:

student population Focus on college preparation

Disadvantages: Can

accept, reject, or expel students at will Do not always have appropriate services for ELL or Special Education students May charge a fee to attend (in private and parochial schools)

Factors to Consider When Choosing a High School

Size
Location Theme

Services
Application Academic

Process

Indicators

Extra-Curriculars

Other Factors to Consider

Start

and end time for the school day

of students passing MCAS in 10th grade

Percentage Average

student score on the SAT

Percentage
Percentage

of students going to college

of students STAYING in college after the

1st year

When you visit schools, ask these questions if they are things you want to know about!

Show What You Know

Of

the factors you learned about today, which three are most important to YOU in choosing a high school? Why do these factors matter to you?

Size Graduation Rate Location Theme Services Application Process Extra-Curricular Activities