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A Personalized Approach to the Secondary School Placement Process

Exterior photo of Firestone Hall at dusk
A Personalized Approach to the Secondary School Placement Process

At Old Trail School, the transition from middle school to high school is a thoughtfully crafted experience that reflects our deep understanding and care for each student.

With numerous excellent high school options in the Greater Akron area, Old Trail is dedicated to helping families find the ideal fit—a new school community where their child will continue to be known, supported and valued.

A Pathway to Success 

Each fall, Old Trail’s Secondary School Team —comprising Middle School Director Hallie Ritzman ’95, Associate Head of School Joe Vogel and Director of Enrollment Management Susan Newman—hosts an orientation for Grade 8 parents with insights into the secondary school placement process. From scheduling school visits and understanding the role of standardized tests to exploring need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, their guidance is tailored to each student’s unique interests and strengths and grounded in years of admissions experience at the high school level.

Beyond the Traditional School Fair

Recognizing the need for meaningful engagement, Old Trail has transformed the conventional secondary school fair into intimate morning sessions with individual high schools. No longer confined to one- or two-minute conversations in a bustling gymnasium, these gatherings allow families to delve deeply into the unique offerings and programs of each school. Not only does this format help Old Trail families make well-informed decisions about potential high schools, it also allows high school admissions teams to meet and remember Old Trail students in a more relaxed environment.

This past year, Old Trail welcomed representatives from 12 schools on campus, including local independent and parochial schools and prestigious boarding institutions like Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania and Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. These sessions are designed to broaden families’ perspectives and encourage them to explore a variety of educational opportunities. Parents and students can engage in detailed discussions about their aspirations, helping to identify schools that offer a continuation of the supportive, personalized environment that Old Trail provides. Among the most rewarding conversations for the guidance team are those with families who visit schools they would not have otherwise considered only to discover that is the right path for their child.

Guided Support Every Step of the Way

As students begin the application process, Old Trail’s commitment continues. Teachers and the Secondary School Team provide individualized interview practice, essay guidance and thorough preparation for the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) and SSAT (Secondary Schools Admission Test) administered on campus. This ongoing support helps students and families navigate the application process confidently, often leading to successful admissions into their top-choice schools and a seamless transition to secondary education.

Empowering Families, Shaping Futures

Old Trail’s personalized approach to high school placement ensures that each student finds a school aligned with their aspirations, continuing the tradition of care they have come to expect. By fostering meaningful connections and providing expert guidance, Old Trail helps students embark on a promising academic journey, laying the foundation for a successful future.

Current Issue — Spring 2024

Issue 6

OTS Alumni