High School Advising

Mustard Seed School prepares students for the transition to high school both academically and socially.

The process of applying to high school can be a daunting one with so many options to choose from in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.  A core staff of Mustard Seed School teachers, the school social worker and the Upper School administrators work with the students and their parents in different capacities to help them navigate finding a high school that is a good fit for the student and the family.

The high school application process formally starts with an informational meeting in the Spring for current 6th and 7th grade parents.  This meeting provides details about the process as well as information about the various high schools in the area.  In the fall, the junior high teachers and the school social worker guide the students through the various applications and alert students to different test dates required for admission to both public and private schools. Mustard Seed provides weekly notification about upcoming open houses and informational meetings for various high schools.  The school provides at least one weekend day of intensive test preparation for any student interested. 

In addition, in early October, the core staff meets with each 8th grade parent(s) to assist the family in finding a high school for their child.  One of the key questions that parent(s) answer during this meeting is: 'If you could design an ideal high school for your child, what would it look like?'  At Mustard Seed, we value community and knowing each child.  The school focuses on each child's potential, encompassing both his/her strengths as well as areas of needed growth.  The answers from the meetings with parents and our years of knowledge about each child help guide the overall process.

Our students have been accepted and attend quality high schools.