Last Night’s High School Fair

I love Quest Academy because they do such a good job of preparing kids (and parents) for higher learning. Each year they have a High School Fair where they have some of the top schools in the city and country to meet and speak with kids and their families. Last night was no exception! I have to tell you, it feels more like a College Fair because of all of the options, the portfolio you bring with  you for the schools, and the questions you are asking.

Honestly, I have old school values. I wanted my child to attend a top school in Chicago and then he would go away for college. I want to keep my child as close to me and home as possible, however more than anything, I want him to be prepared for 2024 and beyond. He’s going to have to be prepared for things we’ve never even thought about in our lifetimes because we are in the Age of Technology and things are changing rapidly.

My son had the wisdom to tell my husband and I that his eyes were truly opened last night because of all of the options available he had no idea existed. Granted, we’ve attended the High School Fairs every year since he was in 6th grade. This year is different because next year, he will be a freshman at someone’s High School.

The school’s my son was most interested in were members of  the Eight Schools Association. His top choices included Choate, St. Paul’s School, Andover and Exeter. After announcing his choices at dinner, he told my husband and I that he “while he will probably miss us, he just wants to make sure he gets the best education possible”. I’m not mad at him for that…in fact I encourage that idea. My husband wants him to attend a music intensive school so he wants to check out Chicago Academy of the Arts.

There are a lot of factors that will go into our decision making about High School, but in the meantime, I’ve got to have my son tested with a PSAT 8/9 grade before the end of October. This is to help determine placement for classes.

We’ve got our work cut-out for us to find and get him into the right school where he will be challenged, make friends, excel and prepared for the future. I’m learning a lot through this process and I hope you are, as well.

Those who have expertise and can share anything, please feel free to do so.