Gulp! Rising 11th-grader wants/needs to change high schools! o_0 Need tips!!

Seriously need some help here!  Any thoughts on what schools I should target for a rising 11th grader transfer student? Local or boarding. All girls or co-ed. 

Why? Academic reasons, social issues? This would help in making recommendations.

Although my family has not had any personal experience with either, I've heard good things about Kent Place and Oak Knoll in Summit, which are both all girls.  Good luck - it's not an easy time to change schools, but it can be a positive move.

Has not been the best fit for her, with the second affecting the first to some degree.  (The words "needs to" from initial post may have be an exaggeration--but it kind of feels like it's true.)  

mantram said:

Why? Academic reasons, social issues? This would help in making recommendations.

I'm on the verge of a panic attack...

Harriet said:

Although my family has not had any personal experience with either, I've heard good things about Kent Place and Oak Knoll in Summit, which are both all girls.  Good luck - it's not an easy time to change schools, but it can be a positive move.

Thanks.  They're on my spreadsheet  

(edited to add: Jesus, why does the smiley face do that obnoxious laugh thing?)

Depends on the kid.  My granddaughter was unhappy with her high school. She changed to a new (public) school for 10th grade, and is happy, made lots of new friends, and got all A's and one B for her final grades.

lizziecat said:

Depends on the kid.  My granddaughter was unhappy with her high school. She changed to a new (public) school for 10th grade, and is happy, made lots of new friends, and got all A's and one B for her final grades.

Right, but there's only one public school here...

She didn't live here.

Make sure to put The Hudson School in Hoboken on your short list.

I wonder if you can look into Union County Magnet? (We did a year of the Votech school for my designer daughter.) The academic program for sciences (which I think is of interest to your daughter) is top notch. 

Otherwise, I've known people very happy with Newark Academy and MKA. (We have a mutual friend who works at the MKA HS, I'd reach out to her if I were you.) 

You could also look into Mount Saint Dominic which is all girls/Catholic.

shh said:

I wonder if you can look into Union County Magnet? (We did a year of the Votech school for my designer daughter.) The academic program for sciences (which I think is of interest to your daughter) is top notch. 

Otherwise, I've known people very happy with Newark Academy and MKA. (We have a mutual friend who works at the MKA HS, I'd reach out to her if I were you.) 

You could also look into Mount Saint Dominic which is all girls/Catholic.

Thanks, will do!

bigben_again said:

Make sure to put The Hudson School in Hoboken on your short list.

Yes, it is. 

TY!

Messaging you.

If you are considering Catholic HS, I would look at Union Catholic. It is on the far edge of Union, so kind of a long drive but I believe there is a bus for Map-So students. It is larger than most of the other schools mentioned and co-ed. Diverse, school sports/activities, and covers a wide range of academic needs. While some of the schools mentioned are 180 degrees diff from Columbia, UC seems to have more similarities but could be a way to start fresh socially? Good luck!

If you are talking about transferring for the coming year, it is awfully late for private (independent but likely also the established religious) schools. It isn't clear whether the student is presently in public school, but applying to a reputable private school is usually done in the fall or winter of the year before the desired entrance.  Openings in 11th grade tend to be limited in any case. If you have a specific school in mind and some connection with one it might be helpful to start pursuing the option immediately, but short of a late withdrawal by another student there may not be room for a newcomer at this point. of course if you are taking out a stunt who will be entering 11th grade in autumn 2018 the options might be broader, but not necessarily at the "good" schools. And "good" really depends on what the students' needs and interests are. Socially it is going to be a challenge to fit into an existing and thriving culture. Academically it may be challenging unless the present school is on essentially on the same level. I hope it's 2018 you are focusing on, because there is just so much to look at, and a slightly better chance at getting in.

Shanabana I feel for you. I went through this last year and it was very painful.  I believe the classes and grades from junior year have the most impact in the college application process, so this year is critical for your daughter. I've been through it 3 times, so I speak from experience. If your child is unhappy due to social issues that cannot be resolved and it starts to interfere with her grades, and all kinds of therapy don't seem to work, then you should definitely look for a new school. However, while it may or may not improve her social issues, the academics are also a major concern. For example, if she is interested in math or the sciences, you have to make sure the school you choose offers the level of classes many colleges are looking for. Many private high schools do not offer Calc 3 or linear algebra. Also look into the AP courses offered. If you transfer to a catholic high school she will have to take theology courses in addition to all other classes she needs to graduate. Make sure you look at the graduation requirements for each school and sit down with one of their guidance counselors to go over the schedule for the next 2 years. My child had to take online summer classes so he could graduate on time and it impacted his summer plans. I don't mean to scare you. I just want you to be prepared and think things out very carefully before you make any decisions. Good Luck.

When I was around the same age I felt a strong need to go to a new school. (No problems at the one I was attending, but I really really wanted a change - like moving to California). 

My parents took me seriously, and spoke with close friends in California who had two daughters around my age. We discussed me living with them and going to school out there, and/or doing an 'exchange' with one of their daughters moving into our home near NYC.

I didn't end up doing the move, but it was a helpful discussion for me to have at the time. I don't know if things are more complicated now with residency/guardianship, but perhaps it's possible if your daughter lived with another family member (or close friend), she could attend the high school they are districted to.

Update: She's got an interview Monday with director of a day school that has rolling admissions in the summer for 2017. She's taking the ISEE on Wed.  We'll see how far we get, but we are plunging. 

Villa Walsh and Mount St Mary's are also very fine catholic girls schools.  These independent schools may be open to summer admits with a personal telephone call followed by a package of credentials and an interview.  (with a check). 

Update: she's attending Hudson in the fall. 

Good luck to her! Sounds like a big change. 

shanabana said:

Update: she's attending Hudson in the fall. 

Congratulations!  

shanabana said:

Update: she's attending Hudson in the fall. 

I was thinking from the conversation that The Hudson School might end up being a good choice.  Glad it worked out!

Very happy for your daughter and for you. We loved the Hudson School when we visited, and we have close friends who sent their children there. We have one son who switched school for junior and senior year. He requested it a month before school started. We moved out of state to accommodate him as he asked to go from SOMA to Maine. It worked. He was happier, and did well academically, and went to a college that he would not have been admitted to had he stayed in SOMA. SOMA was okay for my older son but not his younger brother. I wish your daughter a terrific year.

As shanabana knows, my younger daughter went to The Hudson School for 11th and 12th grade. It was a very good experience. The teachers and students welcomed my daughter warmly.

Thanks, all, for the kind words.  Fingers crossed!

All the best.