High School Transition
Choosing the right high school for your student can make all the difference in their academic career. The good news is there are plenty of options. This transition guide is a resource to assist our families in preparing for the high school admissions process.
It is our goal to provide information about high school options and to ensure each student receives the best possible education for their individual needs. Please contact our High School Transition team, at hstransition@hamlinrobinson.org, with questions.
Resources
- Ranking Schools
- Before You Apply
- Transition Timeline
- Application
- Public School Transition
- High School Graduation Requirements
- Thinking About College?
Ranking Schools
Hamlin Robinson School aligns with and promotes the NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) statement on ranking schools. When considering school options, we encourage families to select a school based on fit and to ensure a successful academic outcome.
The NAIS is and always has been opposed to the ranking of schools. The 'best' school - public, parochial, or independent - is the one that uniquely meets the needs of each particular child.
Before You Apply
Step 1
Step 2
Research and Prepare
Preview and keep track of application dates by organization. Some schools may require an entrance exam, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and for public schools, proof of residence as well as immunization information. Public schools also require current testing information and evaluations for accommodations or special needs so begin in the fall. If you are interested in an IEP or 504, contact the HRS transition team.
Step 3
Explore Options
There are three high school options: public, independent NAIS accredited, and religious (some religious schools have NWAIS accreditation)
Cast a wide net when exploring schools. Consider schools not on your radar. Talk to friends with whom you share basic values. Read current information about each school, including print materials, website, online reviews, social media, etc. Use the school evaluation checklist to compare locations, educational opportunities, financial commitment, etc.
Step 4
Step 5
Create a Resource List + Master File
Gather a resource list of all individuals and/or organizations with information regarding your student. Include the following:
- Names and titles of professionals who have provided services
- Addresses, phone numbers, email addresses
- Educational records, documents, records, cumulative file from schools your student has attended
Master File
A master file should include the following:
- Report cards and test scores
- Testing and evaluations
- IEP documents
- Immunization records
- Medical records
- Leadership activities
- Honors and awards
- Volunteer activities
- Athletic, musical, or fine arts participation
Transition Timeline
Level 7
Winter
HRS will host a high school transition event to outline and review the high school admission process. If considering public school, connect with the transition team to discuss the process of qualifying or updating an IEP (Individual Education Plan). This process can take several months. Evaluations and assessments are considered current for three years.
If an updated assessment is needed, start this process now by making an appointment with your preferred learning specialist. This process can take several months.
Spring
Attend the HRS school conference to understand areas your student requires support, areas approaching independence, and areas of strength.
Attend the HRS spring transition meeting to learn more about the IEP and 504 process for public schools and how to navigate requesting and receiving accommodations at private schools.
Level 8
September
Attend the back to school conference with the Level 8 advisory teacher to discuss test history, possible schools of interest, current student profile, goals, and high school application dates and deadlines.
Begin to investigate prospective high school learning support options and application requirements. Take time to explore and examine school websites, admission materials, and the philosophy and/or mission of the school. The admissions section of the prospective school website will include dates, deadlines and financial assistance application information. It is important not to miss deadlines.
Discuss potential high school options with your student, the Level 8 advisory teacher and the HRS transition team. The transition team can assist in connecting families with former HRS students and/or families who attend or have attended a prospective school to help answer questions or provide insight.
Begin the application process. There can be a considerable amount of writing required on the application so do not wait.
October, November, December
Parent Meeting
Level 8 parents will meet as a group with the transition team and a panel of HRS alumni parents to get firsthand feedback on the high school admissions experience and process.
The HRS Preliminary High School Tracking Form is due to the front office by November 1.
Open Houses and Tours
Attend high school open houses and school tours. If possible, arrange to meet with the learning specialist or learning program coordinator. Schedule appointments for interviews and tours well before the winter break. Do not wait until January or February as some application deadlines will be missed.
Public “choice” or “lottery” schools will sometimes hold open houses. Check district and school websites for dates. If you are interested in a public high school and can’t find an open house date, call the school’s front office and ask if they will host an open house or if there is an opportunity to visit the school. Consider requesting a meeting with the learning support coordinator or IEP case manager to gather more information about support programs and options.
Student Recommendations
Submit all forms requesting recommendations, evaluations, testing, etc., to the front office by November 19. If applying through the online Ravenna portal, please list frontoffice@hamlinrobinson.org as the contact email for all teacher evaluations. We will distribute all forms to the appropriate teachers and then onto the schools requesting the information. Forms received after the mid-November deadline are at risk of not being completed on time or as thoroughly.
The Interview
Be yourself in the interview. Schools truly want to get to know you and your student as well as they can in a short period of time. If possible, relax and enjoy the moment.
If needed, have your student schedule a practice interview with the transition team. This is a good opportunity to receive helpful tips and feedback on body language, clarity of answers, etc. as well as help the student feel more at ease.
Before the interview, be sure to have a thorough understanding of the schools’ philosophy and why your student would like to attend that school.
Entrance Examinations
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is required by many independent schools in our area. Some schools may require the SSAT, or the school may have their own exam. The majority of Catholic schools require the HSPT (High School Placement Test) for the entrance exam.
Register your student for their necessary exams through the exam websites (ISEE or SSAT) or in the case of Catholic schools, on their school’s website. HRS is not able to do this for families.
If accommodations are needed, be sure to apply well ahead of time through the testing website. HRS is not able to do this for families.
If your student needs to take either the ISEE or SSAT test, information is available on ERBLEARN.org (ISEE) and/or SSAT.org (SSAT). These websites provide more details regarding sample tests, dates of testing, testing with accommodations, registration fees, test results, etc. As a service to the community, HRS is a test site for the ISEE with accommodations.
January
Waiting for acceptance letters can be stressful for families and students. Most schools will notify applicants of incomplete applications either through e-mail or the Ravenna application portal. It is important to contact HRS if any information is missing. Families can contact a school to ask if the application packet is complete, but it is not recommended to pursue information or push regarding acceptance.
HRS prepares school reports, transcripts, recommendations, administrative forms, etc.
It is helpful for HRS to know where parents are likely to enroll their student should they gain admission. Please notify the transition team.
February + March
Notifications Letters
Most admissions notification letters from high schools are mailed by mid to late February. When a notification letter is received, read it carefully for important dates and deadlines. There will be information regarding deposits and placement testing.
Please remain sensitive to other families as they wait for acceptance information from schools. Remember, schools have different acceptance and deposit dates.
Please email the transition team with acceptance information so they can offer congratulations or strategies for the next step.
From receipt of the notification letter, most schools will offer two – three weeks to confirm enrollment. It is important to notify each school.
Students who wish to attend a Seattle public school outside of their designated area may apply for assignment to a different school through School Choice. Open enrollment for School Choice normally takes place from early February to mid-February. For more information, visit seattleschools.org.
Second Round - Waitlist
After first admission notification letters are mailed, a second round of acceptances may take place. If your student is placed on a waitlist, follow instructions carefully. Some schools require a response to remain on the waitlist. Schools will not provide information or reasons why your student was waitlisted or not accepted.
April, May, June
Application
The application is the primary vehicle through which students are considered for admission.
Tips + Tricks
Apply Early
Applications submitted immediately preceding the deadline could reflect a lack of care. This includes submitting teacher recommendation and evaluation request forms to HRS on time.
Be Neat
Applications that are hard to read will not receive equal consideration. Copy the application to use as a rough draft. Type the application whenever possible.
Be Complete
It is better to write “not applicable” instead of leaving a question blank.
Be Honest
Students should not pretend to be something they are not. Highlight their strengths, but don’t hide their challenges. A school wants to know a student is aware of their challenges and is willing and capable to put forth the work to overcome their challenges. It is also important for a school to know a student has the support of family.
Prepare the Application Yourself
Only the student should prepare their application. Parents, guardians, teachers and the transition team are welcome to offer advice; however, a “too perfect” application might raise questions.
Recommendations
Recommendations should come from those who know the student best. Sometimes, a schools will require a recommendation from a specific instructor. Please provide two to three weeks for the teacher to complete the recommendation.
Essay
Be open and honest when writing the essay, make sure it is interesting to others, follow directions carefully, and be sure to proofread.
Supplementary Materials
Do not submit extra materials unless it is relevant and requested. Programs may ask for a portfolio, but do not “pad” the application.
Extracurricular Activities
These should be presented honestly. Do not minimize or exaggerate.
Do's + Don'ts
The interview and visit are opportunities for the student to showcase and highlight their achievements, passion for learning, and activities that make them unique. In addition, this will help determine if the school is the right fit for a student.
Each Level 8 student is invited to schedule a practice interview with the transition team in September. For self-advocacy and initiative, students are expected to contact the transition team to schedule.
Do:
Parent:
- Highlight areas that set your student apart from others
- Research the school
- Show interest in learning more about the school
- Establish a personal yet professional relationship with the admissions team
- Draft the student essay early
- Show the essay to another person to proof and make suggestions
- Inquire with the admissions team about courses, 4-year course plan, and special programs
- Thank HRS teachers for writing recommendations
Student:
- Write thank you notes to the teachers for recommendations
- Write thank you notes to open house tour guide and interview/visit guide
- Practice interview with the transition coordinator
Don't:
- Repeat information
- Exaggerate or take credit for things not accomplished by the student
- Be pushy
- Pad or overload the application
- Ask to see teacher recommendations
- Call the admissions office unless their is a specific question or concern
- Assume all schools are alike
- Attend the interview unprepared (student and parent)
Public School Transition
If applying to public high school, the student will likely need and IEP or 504 plan. Public schools require current testing information and evaluations for accommodations or special needs support.
- Individualized Education Program
- Is your student eligible for special education and related services?
- Who participates on the IEP team?
- Unhappy with the IEP results?
- What to expect from an IEP
- After the IEP is developed
- Section 504
Individualized Education Program
Each public school student eligible to receive special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The development of an IEP allows parents, teachers, school administrators, and service personnel time to examine the student’s strengths and weaknesses and determine how to best provide supports for the student’s education. These individuals work as a team to design an educational program that helps integrate the student into the general curriculum.
Is your student eligible for special education and related services?
Students may be recommended by parents, teachers, counselors, etc. Parent consent is required prior to an evaluation. A professional group determines eligibility through an evaluation process. If it is determined the student is eligible for special education, the school district must provide a copy of the evaluation report to the parents. If the student is ineligible, the district must notify the parents within ten days from the completion of the evaluation.
Who participates on the IEP team?
The IEP team is made up of parents, at least one general education teacher of the student, at least one special education teacher, and a qualified representative of the school district who is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and resources of the school district. An individual who can interpret the completed evaluation report should participate, the student can participate if appropriate, and the parents may invite an advocate for assistance.
Unhappy with the IEP results?
Before the school district can provide services to the student, parents must consent. If parents do not agree with the IEP results, discuss your concerns with other members of the IEP team and try to work out an agreement. If there is still disagreement, a parent can request mediation or the school may offer it. A parent can file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and request a due process hearing, or hire an attorney specializing in education.
What to expect from an IEP
- Evaluation of student current performance
- Annual goals and progress notification
- Special education and related services provided/offered for the student
- Participation with non-disabled students
- Participation in state and district-wide tests
- Dates and places for provided services
- Transition services needs for students 14 years or younger
After the IEP is developed
Section 504
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that is designed to eliminate disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds. All public schools must comply with Section 504 because school districts receive federal funds. Section 504 is a federal civil rights law.
Referral
Any person can refer a student for evaluation under Section 504.
Upon referral
After receiving a Section 504 referral, a district should decide whether to evaluate the student and must notify the student’s parents or guardian of its decision.
Evaluations
Evaluations are individually designed. An evaluation may include aptitude, achievement data, medical, psychological, social, or cultural information. The district determines the scope of the 504, and the 504 should be broad enough to enable the district to determine whether or not a student is disabled under Section 504. If so, the district must provide FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education).
Placement
Placement under Section 504 means services - the educational and related aids and services that a student needs to receive free and appropriate public education.
Due Process
Parents have the right to challenge district decisions regarding the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of their student and provide the parent or guardian an opportunity to challenge the action if they disagree.
Consent
Parents must give consent before the student’s initial evaluation and before the student’s initial placement.
High School Graduation Requirements
Click here to see OSPI published graduation requirements for the State of Washington. It is possible to call the Superintendent of Public Instruction at (360) 725-6000 or talk with the high school counselor.
Information for Families
Families can obtain further information from the Superintendent of Public Instruction regarding student learning plans, (plans for students to stay on track and graduate from high school), culminating projects, and beyond high school planning.
Hamlin Robinson School is approved by the Washington State Board of Education. The Washington State History class taught in grade 7 fulfills the public high school graduation requirement and will be recorded on the student transcript.