Choosing
a secondary school is a capstone of the Harbor Country Day experience. To assist students and parents in making the
best choice, Harbor offers a comprehensive program of information, review,
advice and counseling.
Secondary
schools vary widely, and it is important to find a school that is the best
match for a particular child. The
obvious choice is not always the best choice. It is wise to avoid being
influenced by the choices and preferences of other families, thinking instead
about what kind of school environment will lead a child to flourish: large or
small; public or independent; boarding or day; non-sectarian or church-affiliated;
highly competitive or more supportive; nearby or more distant. Rather than attempting to mold students into
a particular secondary school's character, Harbor suggests that families seek
those schools that best suit the needs and ability level of the child. The
correct match between child and school is our first priority, as it can make all
the difference in the child's secondary school experience.
The
responsibility for making the best match between a child and a school is shared
by Harbor and home, and the key to a successful placement is
communication. The process normally
begins when the family meets with the Head of School to discuss:
First, the student's and parents' goals;
Second, the student's current
performance as well as his or her previous year's academic record;
Third, the student's scores on the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) and Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and
the criteria of the schools under consideration;
Fourth, the options: public vs.
private, religious vs. secular, boarding vs. day, larger schools vs. smaller ones, and
Fifth, the appropriateness of
various schools to the student's strengths and interests.
The process also
includes detailed meetings with the Head of School to help prepare each student
for interviews, for writing applications and essays; for answering questions;
and for in-depth discussions about the proper match.
Parents and
students will find Harbor's administration and staff experienced and helpful in
the process of making this important decision.
