Secondary Schools

 

One of the goals of any good independent elementary school is to provide an excellent foundation upon which future learning can build. Our students have several options for their future learning. Some students choose to go on to independent secondary schools, others to nearby parochial schools or the public high schools in their districts. We take pride in the fact that they are well prepared to learn in a variety of settings, that they are independent thinkers and competent writers, and that they have the confidence to thrive wherever their roads lead.

 

We encourage all our students and their families to look at all the options available to them, both public and private, and to make informed choices. Visiting your local high school is a good place to start. Look at independent schools near your home that might be options. Decide if boarding is something your family is willing to consider, and if so, at what age? How far away?

 

No matter where you are headed, Dutchess Day School is with you every step of the way. This process starts with a secondary school fair the spring of 7th grade, at which students and their families can “tour” a variety of schools without leaving the building.

 

At the end of 7th grade, parents meet with the Head of School to discuss options, and compile a list of possible schools. For those considering independent schools, 8th grade, homeroom teachers and advisors keep students on track with reminders about deadlines and coaching about how to ask for recommendations. The head of school offers mock interviews to help students prepare for admissions visits. The 8th grade writing teachers guide students through one of their secondary school essays in writing lab.

 

It is not common for children this age to have to juggle school, sports, community service and family and social life with a process that most young people don’t face until they are seniors in high school. We urge families to be patient with their students, let them take charge of the process as much as is reasonable and refrain from letting stress tangle up the very special final year at DDS.

 

 

Disposition of Class of 2010:

 

Independent Day School: 0
Independent Day/Boarding School: 11
Public High School: 5

 

Class of 2010 Secondary Schools:

 

Berkshire School

Deerfield Academy

Groton School

Kent School

Millbrook High School

Millbrook School

Poughkeepsie High School

Rhinebeck High School

St. Anne's School

Suffield Academy

Taft School

 

Disposition of Class of 2009:

 

Independent Day School: 2
Independent Day/Boarding School: 11
Public High School: 5

 

Class of 2009 Secondary Schools:

 

The Gunnery

Hackley School

Hotchkiss School

John Jay High School

Kent School

Millbrook High School

Millbrook School

Oakwood School

Pine Plains High School

Poughkeepsie Day School

Roy C. Ketcham High School

Taft School

Westover School

 

Disposition of Class of 2008:

Independent Day School: 1
Independent Day/Boarding School: 11
Public High School: 5

Class of 2008 Secondary Schools:

Arlington High School
Hotchkiss School
Kent School
Millbrook School
Miss. Porters School
Our Lady of Lourdes High School
Pine Plains High School
Portsmouth Abbey School
Rhinebeck High School

 

 

Disposition of Class of 2007:

 

Independent Day School: 1
Independent Day/Boarding School: 16
Public High School: 4

 

Class of 2007 Secondary Schools:

 

Arlington High School 

Berkshire School       

Canterbury School

Deerfield Academy

Dover Plains High School

Hotchkiss School

Kent School

Miss Porter's School

Oakwood Friends School

Our Lady of Lourdes

Rhinebeck High School

Taft School

Trinity Pawling School

Westminster School

 

 

Disposition of Class of 2006:

 

Independent Day School: 0
Independent Day/Boarding School: 11
Public High School: 3

 

Class of 2006 Secondary Schools:

 

Arlington High School

Hoosatonic High School

Hotchkiss School

Kent School

Ketcham High School

Millbrook School

Suffield Academy

Trinity Pawling School

Westover School