The Grade 8 Program

The High School Readiness program supports 8th graders in every phase of applying to high schools in New York City. That includes public, private and religious high schools!

There are over 600 high school programs in New York City.

Students and their families need help in finding the school that is just right for them.

The Grade 8 Program informs students on the range of options available to them. It steers them through the school selection and application process. When school decisions are announced, the program supports them through the enrollment process.

Students in a science classroom examining specimens through microscopes.
Graduates' caps being tossed into the air during a ceremony on a clear day.

The Grade 8 program takes an individualized approach. The program works with each student and their parents to identify each student’s

  • ideal high school environment, learning style and workload

    • areas of academic interest, favorite extracurriculars and future career ideas

    • practical needs that may impact a wide range of factors including traveling to school, participation in activities, support with learning differences

    • list of high schools that meet their needs and interests, goals and passions

    As a class, 8th graders and their parents benefit from

  • learning about the most interesting and exciting high schools across a wide range of school types and categories

  • supporting in completing the high school applications

  • test preparation for high school entry exams

  • a calendar for high school applications and weekly reminders for tracking deadlines and application progress

  • setting short, medium and long-term goals for academic

    and extracurricular growth

  • education on the growth mindset and its connection to

    improved effort in school work

  • techniques for overcoming procrastination

  • preparation for high school interviews

  • preparing portfolios and auditions for art schools

  • accepting an offer of a place at a high school

  • negotiating financial aid, if relevant

  • planning a summer of high-impact, enjoyable learning between grade 8 and grade 9 to ensure students hit the ground running in high school

To bring the Grade 8 high school program to your school, click here.

To view the full Grade 8 curriculum for High School Readiness, click here.

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School Categories we cover include:

  • SHSAT High Schools

  • Screened High Schools

  • Performing Arts/ Visual Arts High Schools

  • Career/Technical Education High Schools

  • Early College High Schools

  • Charter High Schools

  • Religious High Schools, including Catholic High Schools

  • Independent/ Private High Schools

  • Boarding Schools

We guide students through the financial aid process for high schools that charge tuition.