We have put together some tips and ideas as you consider the best choice for your secondary school education.

Take the summer to check out some schools.

• Start with the internet. Most of the school have web sites. Do a search and compare local high schools. Things to consider: class size, tuition, course offerings, college acceptances and SAT scores. You can even download applications to get an idea of what the school is looking for.
• Check out the NEASC web site http://cis.neasc.org/cis_directory_of_schools – this site lists all the accredited high schools in Massachusetts.
• Check out our own St. Michael School web site - http://www.saintmichael.com/Mission.html – at the bottom of the page is a list of local high school and links.

Take advantage and visit those schools that offer tours over the summer.

Remember in the fall, to schedule tours, interviews, open houses and shadow days. Consider starting a calendar and highlight deadlines and dates to remember.

All private and Catholic High Schools require an Entrance Exam.

• Usually the SSAT is the required Entrance Exam for the private high schools. Check out their web site - http://www.ssat.org/
• Most Catholic School require the Catholic School Entrance Exam which must be scheduled at your local Catholic high school in the fall.
• Consider purchasing an Entrance Exam Review book at any local book store to work on over the summer.
• Consider reviewing some math or read a book to help build your vocabulary.
• St. Michael School usually runs a before or after school Test Prep Class just prior to the scheduled date of the Catholic School High School Entrance Exam in the fall.
• For extra Test Prep courses, check out the Excel program at Northern Essex Community College, Beaven Associates in Andover, Sylvan Learning Centers or Kaplan at http://www.kaplan.com/KidsSchools/K12Students/

Some schools require an interview. Consider scheduling that earlier in the fall.

Consider getting involved in community service. Check out the opportunities with our own St. Michael Parish Youth Office.

Start a portfolio of your best work, report cards accomplishments or awards. They make a good addition to your Admission Packet.

Most school require recommendations. Don’t just include teachers, consider coaches, dance instructors, art instructors and music teachers.

Each school has its own criteria for acceptance. It is usually done by looking at several different areas including a student's middle school grades, standardized testing results, high school entrance exam, recommendations, school transcripts, involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.

The more planning you do ahead of time, the less stressful this experience will be. Keep in mind that St. Michael School has a wonderful reputation and all of our students are well prepared. Nearly all of our students are accepted into their first or second choice high school with many placing out of basic courses and into honors and accelerated programs.