HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION SESSION Saint Pius X School September 8, 2011

Talk to Your Child Ask questions –What is he or she thinking? –What is influencing his or her thinking? –What are his or her concerns? Share your thoughts and concerns with him or her

Before you and your child make any decisions, consider these influences Co-ed or Single Gender Friends Location Transportation Courses Interests Activities Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Resources School Websites Application Guide - School Literature (Brochures) Directors of Admission and Main Office Personnel of individual schools Saint Pius X and our Alumni High School Fairs Open Houses Office of Magnet Programs (Baltimore County)

Shadow Days (October through December) Schools of Interest - Contact the individual schools to schedule shadow dates Current 8th grade students are allowed two shadow days (which are excused if request is completed).

Shadow Days (October through December) Ensure your child is prepared for shadowing –Proper attire –Lunch or snack money –A book –Other materials as indicated by the school Follow up with your child after the visit: –Did your child feel comfortable? –How was the cafeteria food? –What did he or she do?

Open Houses (October through December) School Leadership and Faculty Academics and Fine Arts Facilities Resources Clubs/Activities Athletics

Applying to a Catholic High School

Archdiocese of Baltimore REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FAIRS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 UMBC 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Archdiocese of Baltimore REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FAIRS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011 ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Archdiocese of Baltimore REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FAIRS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011 COLLEGE OF NOTRE DAME 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Archdiocese of Baltimore REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FAIRS Each preview day will feature break-out sessions on topics ranging from “Finding the right school for your child”, to “Financial Aid 101”, and “Preparing for college…in high school”.

Standard Catholic High School Information Release Form Will be sent home in November Parents or guardians complete appropriate section, select three high schools, sign the release form, and submit it to Mrs. Brecht or Ms. Katz Saint Pius X will forward the records to the schools selected (official records will not be released to students/families)

Archdiocesan High School Placement Test (HSPT) 8:30 am Register when you arrive $30.00 Cash Fee DECEMBER 3 rd or DECEMBER 10 th Extended Time Documentation Not Necessary to take test at first choice school

HSPT Prep Class Paperwork is available now and is due on September 12 th ; No late registrations Mondays beginning September 19 th Last class is November 28 th Check Mrs. Ruppert’s website for more details

Applications Must fill out individual school applications Fees Requirements (Essays, Interviews, etc.) No letters of recommendation

Request for Records If the student attends an Archdiocesan Catholic School in Baltimore, the Standard Archdiocesan Release Form (from SPX) is all that is needed from the parent.

Financial Considerations Tuition Assistance Scholarships (Guidelines differ from school to school) Financial Aid (Deadlines and requirements) Knott Scholarship – guidelines listed in Application Guide; visit

How Do Schools Make Their Decisions? EVERYTHING IS CONSIDERED HSPT results Grades (6th, 7th, and/or 8th) Comments from St. Pius X Standardized Testing Scores Interviews Shadow Days Attendance (Absences and Tardies) Writing Samples

Timeline October - December: Shadow Days Late November - Catholic HS Release Forms due December 3 rd or 10 th : HSPT Check with schools for individual application deadlines February 15th: High School Decision Letters Mailed March 1st : Catholic High School Registration Deadline March 25th (5:00pm): Knott Scholarship Application Deadline On or about April 11th: Knott Scholarship Notification

Registration Deadline Register students at the high school to which they’ve been accepted and want to attend –DEADLINES VARY BY SCHOOL –REGISTRATION FEE (non-refundable)

Catholic Admissions Procedures QUESTIONS?

Process for Baltimore County Schools

Types of Public Schools Local Zoned School High School Magnet Programs

Local Zoned School The public school in your neighborhood/area your student would attend For your child to attend, you need to register and show proof that you live in the school’s zone/area There are no other entrance criteria

Magnet Schools Magnet programs: theme-oriented programs that provide students with in-depth experiences in particular areas of interest Students meeting admission criteria are placed into a pool of qualified applicants When number of qualified applicants exceeds available seats, random lottery selection process is used May apply to up to three magnet schools May apply to one magnet program per school

Baltimore County Magnet Schools Brochures regarding the application process are available on Baltimore County Public Schools

Timeline Magnet EXPO: September 24, 2011 Individual School Open Houses: October - November High School Applications: available September 15 - November 30 (12:00pm) Application Deadline: November 30, 2011 School-based assessments: January 2012 Notification of High School Placement: March 5, 2012

MAGNET EXPO Saturday, September 24, 2011 Crowne Plaza Lobby 2004 Greenspring Drive Timonium, MD :00am - 2:00pm

Contact Information Contact the specific schools to which you are applying

Public Application Procedures QUESTIONS?

Process for Baltimore City Public Schools

Baltimore City Public Schools The information for the school year is not available on the city schools website, however the guide and information from last year is still there and might provide a good overview.