HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT
With the majority of First Baptist Academy students seeking placement in a private high school upon their 8th grade graduation and the recognized need to offer support and direction for these students, an Office of High School Guidance was established in the fall of 2009. The Director of High School Placement & Academic Guidance works individually with the students and their parents as they make this journey from middle school to high school.
The journey begins in the 7th grade when each student and the respective parents meet with the Director of High School Placement & Academic Guidance for an in-depth conference that focuses on the students, their academic performance, athletic involvement, ERB test scores, extra-curricular activities, and service initiatives. Furthermore, the students are encouraged to take an introspective look at who they truly are to realize what makes them unique. Discussion of possible high school choices that complement the needs of each student is carefully considered.
In the fall of the 8th grade, all 8th grade parents are invited to a special meeting, "Preparing for High School," with the Director of High School Placement & Academic Guidance where they are presented with Journey, the yearly updated handbook that will guide them through the entire application process including testing and interviews. A monthly timeline calendar plus a chart of application deadline dates, open house dates, test dates, admission contacts, and admission requirements for all of the schools to which the students apply is also included. The meeting is a step-by-step walk through the handbook and a question-and-answer session.
Individual conferences are available throughout the fall for further discussion. The Director works with the students on their applications and essays, offering suggestions for improvement and answering any questions that arise. Through the Middle School office, transcripts, student records, and teacher recommendations are processed and sent to the schools at the end of the first semester to complete the application process. Ninety percent of our graduating students are admitted to the first high school of their choice.
The Office of High School Placement & Academic Guidance adds another support for FBA students to be equipped "with the Truth of God's Word while developing their character, intellect, and potential to explore, create, challenge, and lead" as they successfully accomplish the "journey" from middle school to high school.
