Navigating the High School Journey: A Parent’s Guide

Dear Future Eagle Families,

Between homework, sports, after-school activities, carpool, and family commitments, the life of a middle school parent is already busy. Adding the high school search—tours, open houses, applications, and ISEE testing—to an already busy life can quickly feel overwhelming.

In the midst of this overwhelming season, take a breath. You are not alone. Many parents wonder, “Am I doing enough? Am I missing something? How do I help my son feel ready?” By taking a few simple steps, you can simplify the entire admissions process and start finding the right high school for your son and your family.

Start broad. Write down every school you might consider – Catholic, independent, magnet, or public. Then, ask what matters most for your family. Is it Faith? Academics? Athletics? Location? Cost? Size? Once you’ve determined what’s most important for your family, try to narrow your list down to three to five schools. This list can help you focus while also helping you keep your options open.

Pro Tip: Create a simple chart with categories such as academics, activities, values, location, and cost. Make notes for each area to see which school stands out to you and your family. You can use this chart we created with Google Sheets as a reference guide.

Deadlines tend to sneak up on families. Keep everything in one place, such as a shared calendar or checklist. Mark application deadlines, ISEE registration dates, test days, open houses, and school events. Having a clear view of the year cuts down stress.

Pro Tip: Register for the ISEE as early as possible – dates fill up quickly. Make sure you secure a spot, location, and time that works well for your family. Also, consider participating in ISEE practice tests or prep courses, which can help your son feel more confident as he approaches his ISEE test.

While websites, mailers, ads, and brochures say a lot about a school, a visit gives your family the chance to see first-hand what a school is all about. When you step onto a campus, watch how teachers connect with students. Notice how boys act in hallways and classrooms. Ask yourself: “Is this school a good fit for my son? Is my son a good fit for this school?”

Pro Tip: During a school tour, pay close attention to you and your son’s reactions – your family’s gut feeling about the school will tell you more than any brochure ever can. Check out this article to get a better sense of what questions you should be asking when you visit a campus.

You do not need to be perfect. Admissions is not a test for parents. Take one step at a time. Trust yourself. Trust your son. The right fit will reveal itself as you work through this process.

Schools like St. Thomas have admissions teams that host events, guide tours, answer questions, and provide helpful resources to help families like yours navigate the high school admissions process. It is our job to make this journey as smooth as possible for you and your family. Choosing a high school is more than just checking boxes. It is about finding the place where your son will grow into the young man he is meant to be.

In the next edition of the Eagle Flyer, we will walk you through strategies for focusing your high school search and preparing your son for a successful admissions journey as you both start thinking about submitting applications and application documents.

Sincerely,
Admissions Team