1. Life after Independence Charter School

2. Where to start?

3. Types of High Schools Special Admissions Specific
Admission requirements are in the areas of test scores, grades, attendance and behavior. Only the best candidates are admitted. All students are eligible to apply regardless of where they live in the city.
SAUL, Central, CAPA, Bodine, SLA, Masterman, Palumbo, etc.

4. Types of High Schools (cont’d)
II. Charter Schools (Like ICS)
Schools choose by lottery. Each school has its own application procedures and deadlines. Applications can be obtained by visiting the school’s website.
Boys Latin, MAST, Prep Charter, World Communications, CHAD, etc.
III. Neighborhood Schools
No competition. They strictly admit the students living in their neighborhood catchment.
Overbrook, Southern, Kensington, Washington, etc.

5. How do I Apply to High School?
You and your middle school counselor, Counselor Anne, will mail out applications to the Philadelphia public high schools you want to apply to.

6. What needs to be in my high school application?
Your application will include the following:
PSSA/Keystone Exam Scores from 7th Grade
Report Cards from 6th and 7th Grade
Attendance/Behavior scores
Essays (about why you want to attend the school you are applying to)
Recommendations??????????

7. Recommendation Letter?

8. How can I get recommendation letters from my teachers
How can I get recommendation letters from my teachers? What teacher is going to say that I behave in class and try hard to complete all of my work?

9. How Do I Get a Recommendation??
Ask Teachers NICELY 
2. Give Your Teacher Advance Notice
3. Try you best in class. Teacher’s do not have to
write you a recommendation letter.
Do Not Ask Your Teachers The Night Before the Letter is Due.

10. Timeline September October-November
Counselor Anne meets with 8th grade students to discuss high school options.
October-November
Initial application is due to schools.
No changes can be made after this point in time.
No essays or letter of recommendations can be submitted after this point in time.

11. Timeline (cont’d) December – March March April-September
Selective high schools begin to evaluate applications. Depending on the high school, there may be auditions or interviews asked of the 8th grade student.
March
Notification letters are sent to the students home from the school district. Students are expected to then choose one school and mail back their selection to the district.
April-September
Spaces may open up for students who were wait listed at a particular school.

12. How will I know which courses to take in high school?
Career Day
ICS will be exposed to over 40 speakers from a variety of professions. Everyone from Surgeons to Mural Artists to Law Enforcement.
Students will learn what it means to be high school, college and career ready.
-PA Career Zone is an interactive tool Counselor Gabe uses with students to learn more about their career options. The site has tasks, skills, salary information, and more for over 900 different careers.

13. How will I get to my new high school?
Students who do not live within walking distance of their high school are eligible for free weekly transpass on SEPTA.

14. POP QUIZ!
True or False?
In order to apply to high school you may need to write an essay and ask your teachers to write recommendations for you.
Every 8th grade student gets into the specific high school that they want to attend?

15. POP QUIZ!
True or False?
High school’s base their admissions decisions on the applicants report cards.
High schools will look at my behavior record?

16. **High School Admissions Game**

17. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #1
You threatened another student on social media. High schools and colleges will look at your social media accounts. Take 2 steps back.

18. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #2
-You competed in the
Carver Science Fair and
won. Congratulations!
High schools look for
students who participate
in extra curricular
activities. Take 1 step
forward.

19. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #3
You hit another student
in the face while arguing over
who won a basketball game
during recess. You now have a
suspension on your permanent
behavior record. High Schools
frown on suspensions. Take 3
BIG steps back.

20. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #4
You did an excellent job on your high school interview. You presented yourself in a professional manner and convinced the school that you are an excellent candidate. Take 1 step forward.

21. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #1
You didn’t try at all and received an F on your report card. Move 1 step back.

22. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #2
You and your best friend decided it would be a good idea to steal a loaf of bread from the cafeteria. You now have a suspension in your file. Move one step back.

23. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #3
You wrote an excellent essay. Take one step forward.
“I want to attend SAUL High School because I have a passion for working with animals. Someday I hope to work as a veterinarian. Volunteering at my local animal shelter has taught me a great deal about……..”

24. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #4
You tried your best when you took the Keystone Exams/PSSA. You read each question carefully and double checked all of your answers. Move one step forward.

25. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #1
You received an amazing letter of recommendation from your 4th grade teacher. Take 3 steps forward.
“Dear High School Admissions Officer,
John Doe is an amazing student and he is a
pleasure to have in my classroom. He would
be a great addition to your school.
-Teacher X”

26. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #2
On your final report card you received excellent grades. Move 2 steps forward.

27. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #3
Your attendance was poor. You missed over 10 days of school and were late 15 times. Move two steps back.

28. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
Student #4
You have followed the rules all year long. There isn’t a single discipline write up in your student file. Move 1 step forward.

29. HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION GAME
THE END