We encourage our students and their families to look at all the options available to them, both public and independent, and to make informed choices and provide significant assistance and counseling throughout this journey.
The process begins in the spring of seventh-grade when parents and students attend our Secondary School Informational Evening and Fair. Following those events, parents and students meet with the head of school to discuss the broad range of options, requirements, and the process and timing of secondary school visits, applications, and decisions.
For those considering independent schools, eighth-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.
Our students balance many demands: academic, athletic, service, social, and of course family. In eighth-grade, many choose to apply to independent secondary schools, thus beginning a decision-making process that most young people don’t face until they are seniors in high school. We urge families to be patient with their child, let he or she take responsibility for much the process, and work towards eliminating stress during their final year at DDS. In concert with Dutchess Day School, this process can be rewarding and meaningful, and we look forward to acting in partnerships throughout it.