Transitioning to High School
The transition from junior high to high school is an exciting time in a student's life. LCS prepares students to meet the challenges of high school on various levels. What follows is information to help with this transition.
What high schools do our graduates attend?
Over the past several years, our graduates have chosen the following high schools:
| Academy of Holy Angels | Minnetonka High School |
| Benilde-St. Margaret's | Mounds Park Academy |
| The Blake School | Open World Learner |
| Bloomington High School | Orono High School |
| Breck School | PiM Arts High School |
| Central High School | Richfield High School |
| Cooper High School | Roosevelt High School |
| DeLaSalle High School | St. Louis Park High School |
| Eagan High School | St. Paul Academy and Summit School |
| Edina High School | St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists |
| Great River School | South High School |
| Highland High School | Southwest High School |
| Lakeville South High School | Washburn High School |
| Math & Science Academy |
What is the high school application timeline?
October and ongoing
Students may begin shadowing at independent schools, contact specific schools to arrange dates. Public schools do not allow shadowing.
Non-school days for LCS are great days to shadow.
Mid-October
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) offers information meetings at local high schools.
Our MPS liaison is Tammi Harmon. Contact Tammi via phone: 612-668-0812 or email: [email protected]
Independent schools offer open house events.
November
LCS holds a High School Transition Meeting where LCS graduates return to share their transition experience to public high schools with current students and parents.
Minneapolis Public high schools offer evening open house events.
Late November - Early December
Families may visit Minneapolis Public Schools on specific dates.
Confidential teacher recommendation forms are submitted to LCS teachers for independent schools.
December-February
Independent schools' application process may require entrance exams.
January-April
Independent school application deadlines.
Late January
LCS mails student records to prospective high schools. If records are required sooner, 7th grade reports and standardized test results are sent with a note indicating 8th grade records will be sent when complete, along with 8th grade standardized test results.
Late February - Early March
Deadline for application to MPS high schools.
April
Registration for MPS classes.
What classes do high schools offer?
As students look ahead to their high school experience, they must decide what classes to take. Sometimes this is determined by a placement test, but often students have some discretion as well. Students often look at each department they will be entering to choose a sequence of classes that best fits their goals. Click below to see the sequences of classes offered at the high schools the majority of our students attended the last four years.
Southwest: http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us/course_catalog
South: http://south.mpls.k12.mn.us/Curriculum_Guide_2004-05
Washburn: http://washburn.mpls.k12.mn.us/curriculum_guide
Benilde St. Margaret: https://www.bsmschool.org/senior-high
The Blake School: http://www.blakeschool.org/page.cfm?p=552
Breck School: https://issuu.com/breakschool/docs/2019-2020_us_course_guide-f?e=4025045/67612557
DeLaSalle: http://delasalle.com/academics/curriculum/
Minnehaha Academy: http://www.minnehahaacademy.net/schools/upper-school/upperacademics/
Saint Paul Academy: http://www.spa.edu/upper_school/curriculum
What questions have parents found helpful to ask high schools during the admissions/selection process?
- Does the school have a particular educational philosophy or mission?
- In what ways does the school foster the development of perseverance, flexible thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and self-advocacy?
- What is unique about the program you offer or what differentiates your school from other schools?
- Is bullying a problem at the school? How does the school proactively support a culture where bullying is prevented?
- What is this school’s approach to student discipline and safety?
- How might the school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties?
- If my student received learning support in junior high, what is the process for making sure their needs are met in high school?
- What is the average class size?
- How much homework do students have? What is the school’s philosophy/approach to homework?
- How do you determine which math class a student will take as a 9th grader? If a placement test is used, what resources do you offer for students to prepare for it?
- Would you be willing to look through my child’s JH math portfolio to get a better handle on where they’re coming from?
- How do you determine which level of foreign language a student will take as a 9th grader?
- How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school?
- What is the sequence of science classes? (ie physics first or biology first?)
- How do the arts fit into the curriculum? Is there a school choir, band or orchestra? A drama program? Studio art classes?
- What extracurricular opportunities (athletics, clubs, community service, competitions) are available for students?
