Single Hero
The High School Placement Process is a personalized journey, and we support families every step of the way.
Because our JK-8 school model allows us to truly know each student, including their unique passions, strengths, and ambitions, we are uniquely positioned to help guide them toward the high school that serves as the perfect fit. With the dedicated support of our Director of High School Advising and the Head of Upper School, students are empowered to find their voice and envision their future.
Our comprehensive support system includes High School Advisory classes, integrated test preparation, and individualized family counseling, ensuring that families feel confident throughout the process.
St. Luke’s students are recognized as academically strong and dedicated young leaders who are highly sought after by top institutions. Our graduates consistently gain admission to a wide variety of selective independent day schools, Catholic schools, specialized public schools, and boarding schools, ensuring they continue to thrive in the right environment.
High School Placement & Beyond
The High School Placement Timeline
We begin learning about and tailoring to the needs of each student the moment they start their education at St. Luke’s. In this way, the path to finding the right high school for each child has already begun before the formal process commences. This more structured process begins in the spring of Grade 7 and continues through spring of Grade 8, when all children have received offers of admission from high schools.
The Pillars of Our Process
Knowing Our Students
We are proud to know the whole child. Because our Director of High School Advising also serves as a Grade 5 advisor, the relationship with your student begins the moment they enter Upper School. By observing and engaging with them over several years—in the classroom, on the sports fields, and in the arts—our placement team gains a deep understanding of their unique talents and personality. This long-term, comprehensive approach allows the Director to provide highly personalized guidance, helping your family find the ideal high school fit for your child's continued growth.
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High School Advisory Class
Meeting every week, this class is the cornerstone of our student application support. The curriculum explicitly prepares students to stand out through:
- Admissions Insights: Hosting direct visits and panels with high school admissions directors.
- Interview Prep: Mastering interview etiquette, strategies, and techniques to confidently navigate the competitive admissions landscape.
- Essay Workshops: Practicing timed writing exercises to prepare for the ISEE essay and refining personal student statements to ensure each child's unique voice is clearly amplified.
Individualized Support for Each Family
Led by our Director of High School Advising, our communication strategy is designed to make the admissions process transparent and organized. Family support includes:
- Group & Individual Meetings: Comprehensive group overviews establish a shared foundation of timelines and requirements, while regular, one-on-one family meetings offer tailored guidance for your child's unique track.
- Weekly Updates: Regular communication from the Director ensures you stay ahead of deadlines, requirements, and shifting admissions landscapes.
- Interactive Admissions Calendar: A dedicated digital portal allows families to track key deadlines, RSVP for placement events, and manage the admissions timeline.
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ISEE Test Prep
At St. Luke's, ISEE prep is built into the schedule for Grade 7, allowing for a full year of preparation, and it is thoughtfully structured to ensure comprehensive readiness for the exam. During the first semester, the program places a strong emphasis on enhancing students' verbal reasoning and reading comprehension skills. Through a variety of engaging activities and targeted practice, students develop the ability to analyze and interpret complex texts, expanding their vocabulary and improving their critical thinking abilities. As the second semester commences, the focus shifts towards quantitative reasoning and the fundamental principles of Math 1 and Math 2. This period is dedicated to strengthening students' problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and understanding of key concepts. Throughout the year, students also learn essential test-taking strategies and time management techniques, ensuring they can approach each section of the ISEE with confidence and efficiency.
Benefits of a K-8 Education
See where our students go to high school
See where our students go to college
