Secondary School: What to Consider

For some, choosing the perfect secondary school is a no-brainer and for others, this can be a daunting task. To help you make a more informed decision, here are some tips.

Research & Visit Different Types Schools

Whether you want to enroll in a school rooted in religious beliefs, dual-language immersion, or an IB curriculum, it is important for you to research a school’s mission statement and programs to see if that school is the right fit.

A great preliminarily starting point is 2022 Best U.S. High Schools Ranking by U.S. News which allows you to filter through ranks of magnet, charter, STEM ranked schools and more. Of course, use your best judgment when viewing these rankings and research the schools yourself for more information. We recommend you also try to visit the schools you are most interested in to get a feel for the campus, lifestyle, and opportunities the school provides.

Check School Profiles

Schools generally publicly post their profile including diversity of students, programs offered (honors/IBs/APs), and relevant information about the school’s academic curriculum (graduation requirements). You can usually request this data if it is not listed on their website. For example, Lowell High School’s data can be found here and is split into a separate overview, programs, and school data tabs. We recommend you view the social-emotional and culture climate reports as well to see if the school is catering to the whole child, something that many schools tend to overlook. Checking teacher backgrounds and turnover will also serve as evidence for the school climate. In essence, the school’s educational philosophy is something you should heavily consider.

Pay Attention to Requirements and Deadlines

Secondary schools may be selective, even just as selective as their college counterparts. The Thacher School, for example, has an acceptance rate of only 10%. This often means that aside from the usual requirements of a high middle school GPA, exceptional test scores and teacher recommendations, highly selective schools may also be looking for awards, honors, and extracurriculars that make you stand out above the rest. To ensure you have the best chance, make sure to turn your application requirements in on time.

Key Takeaways

• Research and visit different schools to see what you are interested in
• Check school profiles to see that the course offerings include all that you are looking for in a high school
• Schools may be selective, so be sure to turn in everything on time