By Avital L. and Shuli G., Eighth Grade Students, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Many young teenagers go through multiple transitions during their years in school. At Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation (KSDS), a K-8 Jewish day school in Pikesville, the current eighth graders are facing the stressful process of choosing between many great area high schools. This process presents many choices, which can make it overwhelming. However, with the help and support of the school’s transition-to-high school counselor, Ms. Roxanne Buchsbaum, these students have a clearer vision of their priorities and what they need to accomplish in order to make this process less stressful and more effective.
One of the first major decisions that these teenagers have to make is whether they want to attend a public or private high school. Both types of schools offer different opportunities. Most of the students in KSDS’s Class of 2022 are looking at private schools, both Jewish and secular. About 64% of the 2022 class are interested in attending private secular schools, and a little less than 40% are interested in private Jewish day schools. In addition, 76% of the eighth-grade students are interested in schools that offer specialities, such as law, art/theater, technology, or Judaism.
There are many factors that go into the high school decision process. According to a survey given to all 8th graders at KSDS, 36% of students are looking for familiarity and prefer to attend a high school where they already know other students. Another factor is location. A long commute may compel a student to eliminate a certain school as a choice. Furthermore, 56% of eighth graders are looking at a school’s environment; they want to feel like they will easily blend into their new school.
Students at KSDS have a variety of schools in which they are interested. Fortunately, the worry of getting accepted into the high school of one’s choice is assuaged by Buchsbaum, who works closely with students and their families to ensure that they are organized, prepared, and on top of all deadlines. According to Buchsbaum, “[in past years, KSDS] students got into the schools they applied to, and then those who didn’t, were waitlisted.” Acceptance rates among KSDS students is generally very high. This could be because a majority of our eighth graders study three languages: Hebrew, English, and Spanish, and high schools are interested in students who have taken rigorous courses and have done well in them.
Shamir B., a KSDS 8th grader who has attended this school since kindergarten, is applying only to magnet public high schools. According to Shamir, “I want to join a different and diverse community, and most public schools offer this opportunity.” Other students looking at public school options echo these sentiments.
Ellie B., another KSDS 8th grader, is only interested in attending a local private Jewish Day School for high school. “I want to continue my Jewish education,” Ellie says. Many students enjoy the Jewish curriculum and Hebrew Language studies that KSDS offers and, therefore, decide to continue these studies after graduation. Another reason students choose a Jewish high school is because they find the transition, both socially and academically, easier.
The decisions that 8th graders have to make seem never ending. From picking a school to deciding which subjects they want to study, the stress of the high school application process is on the minds of KSDS’s graduating class. However, with the help of Buchsbaum and the support of all their teachers, this process ultimately proves to be quite rewarding and fun. Before they know it, the 8th graders will see that there was nothing to worry about!
Avital L. and Shuli G. are eighth grade students at the Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation.
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