The Grade 8 Program

Eighth graders in New York City are faced with complex choices as they apply to high school.

The High School Readiness program supports them every step of the way.

There are over 600 high school programs in New York City.

This dizzying array means that students and their families need help in finding the school that is just right for them.

The Grade 8 Program informs students on the range of options available to them. It steers them through the school selection and application process. When school decisions are announced, the program supports them through the enrollment process.

The Grade 8 program includes :

  • end-to-end support in the high school application process, from:

  • identifying personal learning style and environmental preferences

  • naming areas of academic interest, favorite extracurriculars and future career ideas

  • finding high schools that meet individual student’s needs and interests, goals and passions

  • learning about the most interesting and exciting high schools across a wide range of school types and categories

  • supporting students in completing the high school application process

  • crafting a personalized working list of high schools to apply to

  • test preparation techniques and strategies

  • creating a calendar for high school applications and tracking progress

  • setting short, medium and long-term goals for academic and extracurricular growth

  • education on the growth mindset and its connection to expending effort in school work

  • techniques for overcoming procrastination

  • preparation for high school interviews

  • brainstorming for personal statement essays for high school applications

  • finalizing list of high schools to apply to

  • preparing portfolios and auditions for art schools

  • accepting an offer of a place at a high school

  • negotiating financial aid, if relevant

  • planning a summer of high-impact, enjoyable learning between grade 8 and grade 9 to ensure students hit the ground running in high school

To bring the Grade 8 high school program to your school, click here.

To view the full Grade 8 curriculum for High School Readiness, click here.

School Categories we cover include:

  • SHSAT High Schools

  • Screened High Schools

  • Performing Arts/ Visual Arts High Schools

  • Career/Technical Education High Schools

  • Early College High Schools

  • Charter High Schools

  • Religious High Schools, including Catholic High Schools

  • Independent/ Private High Schools

  • Boarding Schools

We guide students through the financial aid process for high schools that charge tuition.