Mythbusters! Next School Counseling

Perhaps your spidey senses have been tingling with the feeling that something big is about to happen, or maybe you’ve been overhearing whispers of conversations at dismissal by parents who look the slightest bit sleep-deprived? Indeed, something special and long anticipated is about to happen for our Kingsley Class of 2023. Tomorrow, March 10, is D-Day. 

(School) Decisions Day. 

The journey to this day begins back in the fall when Sixth Grade families officially begin the Next Schools process. The most known outcome of this process is that each child and their family find the best fit school for them. The lesser known, but equally important, outcome of this process is the level of knowing that each child comes to achieve about themself. Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,” and I believe that going through this process is a catalyst for the Kingsley graduate’s lifelong pursuit of wisdom. 

That being said, I understand that there are many misconceptions and myths wafting through the Back Bay sidewalks about this process, and I’d like to dispel a few of them for you here: 

Myth #1: It’s easier to get into schools before 7th grade. 

Although some schools have entry points at other grade levels, 7th grade is a primary entry point for most schools where Kingsley students typically matriculate. This means that a school plans to significantly increase their enrollment at 7th grade, typically anywhere from 10 to 40 students. The benefit of waiting to explore next schools for 7th grade is that your child is much closer to the kind of person and student they will be through Middle and High School and therefore, they have a greater chance of being able to attend a school that is truly going to be a best fit. A right fit school can be the difference between a prosperous and a disastrous experience. 

Myth #2: Independent school admissions are more competitive since COVID, and Kingsley students don’t get into as many competitive schools. 

Independent schools have seen an increase in the number of applications they receive since COVID, however, Kingsley graduates have continued to exceed typical acceptance rates, even at the most competitive schools. This means that if a school is only able to admit 15% of the total applications they receive for 7th grade, more than 15% of Kingsley’s applicants have been accepted. Although every child is not accepted at every school they apply to, Kingsley has an extremely good reputation among the schools our families are most interested in. 

Class of 2019 - 2022 Acceptance Rates 

*Class of 2023 data not yet available*

Myth #3: The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is the most important part of the school application. My child should already be prepping! 

The ISEE is the entrance exam that most schools require as part of the application process for 5th grade and on. It is only one piece of the application and it is far from the most important component. In actuality, the student interview, the family interview, the essays, and the school’s letters of recommendation carry much more weight than the test scores. Kingsley offers ISEE test prep for students beginning in 5th grade, and it is truly not necessary for families to begin any earlier than this. This time is much better spent exploring your child’s personal interests and helping them become a well rounded student. 

Myth #4: I should apply to schools now even if I don’t intend to leave Kingsley, just for the experience. 

I strongly discourage families from applying to schools for the sake of experiencing the application process, for several reasons. First, this process requires a significant amount of time and effort for families and schools, both the receiving and sending schools. Second, it is in your best interest to give your child the maximum amount of time possible to mature and be prepared to engage in the application process so that they can put their best foot forward. The sixth grade year is intentionally designed to support students through this process and to provide preparatory experiences, including mock interviews, test prep, and counseling conversations. The Next School Counselor (me!) is also here to support families in the sixth grade year, acting as a guide, an advocate, and a friend for you as you go through the process, everything from helping you brainstorm anecdotes to write about your child to what to wear for an interview to how to get off a waitlist. 

I sincerely hope that this information is more calming than concerning and that it answers more questions than it raises. However, my door is always open and my email is always responsive, so please feel free to reach out any time. 

Being the Next School Counselor is one of my favorite parts of my job. I love deepening relationships with families and witnessing firsthand the maturation and evolution of our sixth graders. Tomorrow will be a day filled with a multitude of emotions, but I remain steadfast in my belief to trust the process and that things will work out exactly as they should—with everyone finding a next home that will be the right school for them. 

Sending good vibes and lots of love to the Class of 2023 tonight,

Tara Hofherr

Director of Elementary Programs & Next School Counseling