A Partnership with Families

High school planning at EBI is a partnership between families, students, and the school. The process begins in grade 7 and continues through grade 8, with regular communication and guidance throughout the process.

Our High School Placement Team (Grade 8 Advisors & Principal):

• Helps students reflect on how they learn best and what environments will support them

• Shares information about local independent, public, and parochial schools

• Is available to meet with families in grades 7 & 8 to discuss goals, interests, and possible school types

• Provides updates on admissions events and application deadlines so families are informed

We recognize that different families bring different levels of familiarity with the admissions landscape. We aim to keep information straightforward and accessible, and to create space for questions.

Our Advising Process

While every student’s path is different, most families can expect the following kinds of support:

• School exploration
  Guidance on researching high schools, hosting school admissions representatives, facilitating school visits, and thinking through fit across academics, size, location, schedule, and activities. We help students and families consider both independent and public options.

• Individual counseling
  One-on-one meetings available with a grade 8 advisor or principal to consider options that make sense for each student, revisit that list over time, and talk through questions as they arise.

• Application questions and personal statement support
  Help with understanding application requirements, organizing materials, and supporting students as they draft and refine their essays and short-answer responses. Classroom work in writing and reflection often feeds naturally into this step.

• High School Interest Surveys
  We send surveys to grade 8 families multiple times during the school year to stay up to date on their preferred choices to remain informed and be able to provide guidance and support.

• Interview and visit preparation
  Practice interviews and conversation about what to expect when meeting with admissions representatives or visiting classes, so students feel prepared and themselves.

• Testing preparedness
  Support around preparing for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for parochial schools and Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) for independent schools, including test prep, information about registration, timing, and expectations. When appropriate, we provide practice opportunities and help students understand the format.

• Teacher recommendations
  Coordination with teachers on recommendations that reflect each student’s growth, strengths, and areas of focus.

Throughout the process, we try to keep the focus on learning about the student and where they “fit in,” not just "get in.” The skills students use here — reflection, planning, communication — are the same skills they will rely on in high school and beyond.