Helping New York City’s Middle Schoolers Succeed.

Grade 6 Program

It is a big transition to middle school! The High School Readiness program helps Grade 6 students adjust to the challenge with helpful study skills, concrete goal-setting practices and an awareness of how their brains are developing in early adolescence. It all adds up to a positive mindset and deeper student engagement.

A pastel pink weekly planner with sections for each day of the week, a clock showing 2:00, and a to-do list area on the right.

The High School Readiness Program helps NYC-based middle school students gain entry to the high school of their dreams. It also ensures that they succeed once they get there. Designed to be used across grades six through 8, the program supports NYC middle schoolers in the areas they struggle with most:

  • Grade 6: the transition to Middle School, including self-organization, study skills, accountability and self-advocacy

  • Grade 7: staying motivated, completing homework, staying on top of projects, becoming aware of high school options, setting goals

  • Grade 8: identifying high schools that meet their needs, applying to high schools, keeping on track with deadlines and ancillary materials, school selection and enrollment, including financial aid negotiation.

The program meets once per week throughout the school year. It supports the work of Guidance Counselors and acts as an extra layer of due diligence in offering a level playing field for all students. The program includes parent workshops and parent outreach. The end result is an 8th grader headed to their ideal high school and armed with the skills, passions and confidence to succeed there.

Three children sitting at a table with books and notebooks, focused on their work, in a bright room with large windows.
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Grade 7 Program

Seventh graders learn about the amazing range of high school options available to them. The program motivates them to stay positive, stay focused and identify their unique interests, learning style and goals as they look ahead to the next stage of their education.

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Grade 8 Program

There are over 400 high schools in New York City. The program helps students pick schools that are just right for them. Then, we guide them through the application process. We support students and their families all school year long—-right up through high school enrollment.

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