“Which high school should we choose?”
“Is private better than public?”
“What’s the best high school in my area?”
These are three questions that middle school families most often ask during enrollment meetings. The answer? It depends. Like most things in college admissions, there are not always right or wrong answers, and nuance must be taken into account.
Not every family has a choice when it comes to which high school their student will attend. If you do have the luxury of choice, here are 5 priorities to consider when making the best decision for your family.
Colleges want students to take advantage of the most rigorous courses offered within their specific high school. Questions to ask are:
Some schools will limit students to 2-3 advanced classes per year. Other schools have their top students taking 17+ advanced classes by the end of senior year. Although highly selective colleges expect that students will complete the top rigor available at their high school, this doesn’t necessarily mean taking every advanced offering. Admissions Officers will review each applicant holistically, which means that they will evaluate the whole applicant rather than relying on a single metric like course selection or GPA.
If your student is interested in a more quantitative subject area, like Computer Science or Engineering, they should plan to take Calculus, at a minimum. Ivy League and Highly Selective Institutions (HSIs) also have requirements around world languages. Possessing native fluency in a language will not always fulfill these requirements.
You want your student to have a well-rounded high school experience, where they can explore interests and grow beyond the classroom. A strong school will offer a wide range of clubs, sports, and extracurricular opportunities, including athletic teams and academic clubs such as debate, robotics, or brain bowl. The goal is for students to try new activities and commit more deeply to them over time. If your student is interested in the arts, see what type of programming is available, whether that’s in visual arts, music, or theater. Colleges also value leadership, so access to leadership opportunities through these student offerings is just as valuable, as they give students the chance to develop initiative and create impact.
Visit your school options and connect with as many families as you can. It’s important that your student feels that they can envision themselves as part of the school community. If parents can invest in getting involved once their student is enrolled, staying informed and having a voice in the school community can make a meaningful difference. Four years can fly by, and just like raising children, the days may feel long, but the years are short. Fully integrating into the community is a great way to embrace the experience. But before taking that step, visiting the school and talking with a variety of families is key to getting your questions answered and gaining insight from multiple perspectives.
What support services are offered at the school? It’s important to understand what academic, tutoring, mental health, and college counseling services are available to students. Questions to ask include:
Knowing what support systems are in place can make a big difference in your student’s ability to thrive during their high school years.
A strong school helps students thrive beyond the high school years by preparing them for what comes next. Questions to ask:
College outcomes shouldn’t just be about a list of logos on a website, but about the process that leads students there. A school’s results have a correlation to how available counselors are, when the guidance begins, and how students are supported in building a thoughtful, balanced college list that prioritizes fit.
These priorities are important to consider for families who have multiple high school options. Many families will not have a choice, and that is okay. What matters most is that your student takes advantage of the opportunities their school does provide. If certain offerings are limited, for example, if your school does not offer Calculus and your student is aiming for an HSI for STEM, or if there are very few extracurriculars, there are still ways to supplement. Students can find opportunities off campus or create experiences that reflect their interests and strengths.
When comparing different school options, it is also important to remember that the school with the “best” college admissions statistics is not necessarily the best fit for your student. A highly competitive school may attract strong students, but it can be harder to stand out there than at a school with fewer resources or less competition. This is where the nuance comes in. Consider all five of these priorities together and understand how your student will engage within that environment. This will lead you towards making the most informed decision.
Our College Advisors at Infinite Futures can help families maximize their high school options by assisting with course selection and finding ways to get involved in the school community through clubs, sports, and other activities. They can also help advise on skill building, forming good habits and interest exploration. Applying to high school is similar to the college admissions process. Much like a college application, private high school applications also require preparation and profile building. Choosing the right high school for your student can change their trajectory. If you’re in need of support, sign up for an enrollment meeting to get started.
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Sandy Choe is the Director of Enrollment at Infinite Futures. She holds a BA in Economics from Yale University and began her career in finance before transitioning to education. Sandy has built a diverse background in both private and public school counseling, college counseling, and test prep. She is passionate about helping families navigate the complexities of the college application process.
