AVS Alumni Return to Campus to Reflect on High School Transition

Once our students graduate and head to high school, we are confident they are prepared to meet the academic challenges that come their way. But what is that transition like? And how can students be sure they have chosen the high school where they are most going to thrive after their time at Alta Vista?​

On the evening of December 3, we welcomed alumni, students, and parents to answer these questions while addressing an audience of eighth-grade students and their parents. Eighth-grade students and parents mingled with the alumni over snacks before breaking off into two separate panel discussions: one for students and one for parents. Students heard from six AVS alumni who currently attend Lick-Wilmerding High School, Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, Urban School, University High School, and Bay School. Prompted by Ms. Klein, the Director of High School Admissions Counseling, panelists discussed how they selected their high school as well as their academic and social adjustments to high school. They also gave advice to the eighth graders and answered questions.

Meanwhile, Head of Middle School, Laura Bridges-Pereira, and Dean of Students, Isla Murphy, facilitated a panel of five parents (representing the same high schools). Parents discussed choosing a school that was best for their child and helping them manage the transition. 

“It was really informative and helpful to hear from people who have gone through the process,” said eighth-grader Finn. Nava added, “I learned more about student life outside of academics, from people who went to a variety of schools, which was cool.” 

This event is part of the year of support that eighth-graders and their families receive as they work through the high school admissions process. The high school admissions team includes Ms. Klein–who also teaches eighth-grade English–along with Laura and Isla. They meet with students and parents throughout the year, and Ms. Klein meets with students in the Destinations class, a course specifically designed to support eighth-graders through the high school admissions process. Events like this alumni panel are an important part of how AVS supports students and families through the high school admissions process.