Learning at Brandeis
Middle School Academics
High School Counseling
Our Approach
The Brandeis School of San Francisco high school team consists of two placement counselors, our middle school head, and our 8th-grade teaching team.
Following a general information meeting about the High School transition process in late March or early April, our counselors will contact you to arrange a one-on-one family meeting to discuss the schools in which your child and family may be interested and to address any concerns about the high school search and application process.
In the fall, much of the 8th-grade advisory programming will address the high school transition process. We offer
- Discussions about the high school application process designed to provide emotional support for your child as well as guidance for behavior during school visits and interviews (how to be yourself, proper body language, etc.)
- High School interview practice
- Time dedicated to writing and revising the student's personal essay and review of short answer questions. Use of this time wisely has proven to be critical to managing the application process.
Parent and School Responsibilities
Parent Responsibilities
- Providing stability and support for your child
- Reassuring your child, especially during high-stress times such as school interviews, application deadlines, and decision dates.
- Researching school options with your child
- Scheduling open house dates, shadow dates and other school-related activities on Ravenna or with the individual schools.
- Helping your child make realistic choices
- Guiding your child in completing applications
- Writing the parent essay for independent and parochial school applications
- Preparing your child for visits/interviews
- Informing front desk staff and reminding your child to inform teachers when they will be absent for school visits
- Helping to keep your child organized and on schedule
- Providing timely and accurate information to the The Brandeis School of San Francisco high school team
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Applying for financial aid if needed
- Being ambassadors for The Brandeis School of San Francisco
- Asking for help when needed
The Brandeis School of San Francisco High School Team Responsibilities
- Providing guidance and support to students and families
- Meeting with rising 8th grade families to explain the application process to help them set realistic high school choices
- Providing timely information about high school programs
- Establishing relationships with high school admissions personnel
- Visiting high schools and promoting the The Brandeis School of San Francisco program and students
- Reviewing student and parent essays for applications
- Coordinating teacher recommendations and transcript requests.
- Providing information to high school admissions personnel, especially in the weeks preceding decisions
- Advocating for students
- Maintaining confidentiality
We know that the start of the high school search and application process can feel daunting, but we are here to help. We also want to make sure that none of us lose sight of the fact that eighth grade is a wonderful time for your child and your family, and we want your child’s culminating year at the Brandeis School of San Francisco to be intellectually challenging, memorable – and fun!
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