KIPP LA 8th Grade Parent Handbook

High School Preparation & Placement

K I P P T H R O U G H C O L L E G E

4 8 0 0 E a s t C e s a r E . C h a v e z A v e . , L . A . , 9 0 0 2 2 • w w w . k i p p l a . o r g / k t c n g u t i e r r e z @ k i p p l a . o r g • d v i l l a @ k i p p l a . o r g

DEAR KIPP LA 8TH GRADE PARENTS & GUARDIANS,

We are very excited to join you and your child on this exciting phase in their educational journey! As many of you know, the KIPP Through College LA team is committed to supporting KIPP LA students and alumni to and through college. Through advising, workshops for parents and students, high school and college visits, direct application assistance, and much more we seek to provide KIPPsters quality enrichment and educational opportunities.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with the information needed to be successful throughout the High School Placement process. This year, KIPP Through College will host a range of programs for parents. Your presence at these workshops and events is expected and critical to your child’s success in the high school application and enrollment process.

Please review the included information and continue to use it as a resource throughout the year. We look forward to getting to know your family over the coming years as your child transitions from a KIPP LA student to alumni.

Sincerely,

Nicole Gutierrez & Diana VillaHigh School Placement AdvisorsKIPP Through College Los Angeles

The KIPP Through College office is located at the KIPP LA School Support Center:

4800 East Cesar E. Chavez Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90022

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Your High School Placement Advisors Nicole Gutierrez

Supporting students whose last name begin with A-Jangutierrez@kippla.org

323-793-3464Facebook: Nicole Gutierrez Ktc

Diana VillaSupporting students whose last name begin with Je-Z

dvilla@kippla.org323-793-3504

Facebook: Diana Villa Ktc

Table of Contents

page 3. 8th Grade Timeline (Fall)

page 4. 8th Grade Timeline (Spring)

page 5. KTC’s Recommended High School List

page 6. School Types & Application Processes

page 7. Materials & Requirements

page 8. KTC’s Role & Your Child’s Middle School’s Role

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

page 9. Financial Aid for Religious, Independent, and Boarding Schools

page 10. Frequently Asked Questions

page 12. Important Links & Resources

page 13. High School List Worksheet for Families

page 14. Notes

About KIPP Through CollegeThe KTC Team consists of seven dedicated advisors whose work supports KIPPsters’ success during middle school, high school, and college.

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8th Grade Fall Timeline

Note: High School Preparation & Placement calendars will be sent home with your child every month.

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8th Grade Spring Timeline

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Last updated: 9/4/2013

Traditional Public ❒ Culver City High School ↓ ❒ El Segundo High School ↓ ❒ Gabrielino High School (San Gabriel) → ❒ La Serna High School (Whittier) ❒ Mark Keppel High School (Alhambra) → ❒ Mira Costa High School (Manhattan Beach) ❒ Santa Monica High School ❒ South Pasadena High School → LAUSD alternatives to traditional public ❒ Middle College ↓ ❒ Harbor Teacher Prep Academy Magnet Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD) ❒ Downtown Business Magnet ↓→ ❒ Francisco Bravo Medical → ❒ LA Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) ↓→ Long Beach Unified (LBUSD) ❒ CA Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) LA County Office of Education ❒ LA County High School of the Arts (LACHSA) →

Charter ❒ Alliance Collins Family (Huntington Park) ↓ → ❒ Alliance William & Carol Ouchi [SPED

program] ↓ ❒ CALS Early College → ❒ Camino Nuevo → ❒ City Honors College Prep ↓ ❒ DaVinci Science ↓ ❒ Dr. Olga Mohan ↓ → ❒ Environmental Science & Tech (ESAT) → ❒ Environmental Charter ↓ ❒ Gertz-Ressler Academy ↓ → ❒ Granada Hills Charter ❒ Hawthorne Math & Science Academy ↓ ❒ Larchmont Charter ↓ → ❒ Lennox Math, Science, Tech Academy ↓ ❒ Los Angeles Leadership Academy → ❒ Marc & Eva Stern Math & Science (MASS) → ❒ Math & Science College Prep ↓ ❒ New West Charter ↓ ❒ Palisades Charter ❒ Renaissance Arts Academy → ❒ USC Hybrid High ↓ →

Religious Catholic co-ed ❒ Bellarmine-Jefferson ❒ Bishop Alemany ❒ Bishop Amat ❒ Bishop Montgomery ❒ Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary → ❒ Junipero Serra ↓ ❒ La Salle ❒ Notre Dame ❒ St. Bernard ↓ ❒ St. Genevieve ❒ St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy Catholic all boys ❒ Bishop Mora Salesian → ❒ Cathedral → ❒ Crespi Carmelite ❒ Don Bosco Technical Institute → ❒ Loyola ↓→ ❒ St. John Bosco ❒ Verbum Dei ↓ Catholic all girls ❒ Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy ❒ Immaculate Heart → ❒ Marymount ❒ Notre Dame Academy ↓ ❒ Ramona Convent → ❒ Sacred Heart → ❒ San Gabriel Mission → ❒ St. Joseph’s ❒ St. Mary’s Academy ↓ Non-denominational Christian co-ed ❒ Maranatha ❒ Pacifica Christian ❒ Pilgrim School ↓→ ❒ Oaks Christian Independent in Southern CA Co-Ed ❒ Brentwood School ❒ The Buckley School ❒ Campbell Hall ❒ Chadwick School ❒ Crossroads School for Arts &

Sciences ❒ Flintridge Preparatory School ❒ Harvard Westlake ❒ New Roads School ❒ Oakwood School ❒ Pacific Hills School ❒ Polytechnic School ❒ Rolling Hills Preparatory ❒ Sierra Canyon ❒ Viewpoint School ❒ Vistamar School ↓ ❒ The Waverly School ❒ Westridge School → ❒ Wildwood School↓ ❒ Windward School ↓

Independent in Southern CA (continued) All girls ❒ The Archer School for Girls ❒ Malborough School ↓ →

Boarding in California Co-Ed ❒ Cate School (Santa Barbara County) ❒ Dunn School (Santa Barbara County) ❒ Eastside College Preparatory (Bay Area) ❒ Idyllwild Arts Academy (Riverside County) ❒ Midland School (Santa Barbara County) ❒ Ojai Valley School (Ventura County) ❒ San Domenico School (Bay Area) ❒ Stevenson School (Monterey County) ❒ The Thacher School (Ventura County) ❒ The Webb Schools (L.A. County) ❒ Villanova Prep All girls ❒ Santa Catalina School (Monterey County) Boarding outside California Co-Ed ❒ The American School in England ❒ Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) ❒ Deerfield Academy (MA) ❒ Fountain Valley School (CO) ❒ Groton School (MA) ❒ Hotchkiss School (CT) ❒ Interlochen Arts Academy (MI) ❒ Lake Forest Academy (IL) ❒ Lawrenceville School (NJ) ❒ Loomis Chaffee School (CT) ❒ Middlesex School (MA) ❒ Northfield Mount Hermon (MA) ❒ Orme School (AZ) ❒ Peddie School (NJ) ❒ Phillips Academy Andover (MA) ❒ Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) ❒ Portsmouth Abbey School (RI) ❒ St. Paul’s School (NH) ❒ The Taft School (CT) All boys ❒ Georgetown Preparatory (MD) ❒ St. Albans School (Washington D.C.) All girls ❒ Emma Willard School (NY) ❒ Hockaday School (TX) ❒ The Madeira School (VA) ❒ Milton Academy (MA) ❒ Miss Porter’s School (CT)

KTC’s Recommended High School List Based on academic data and our experience supporting KIPPsters, the following schools have demonstrated the strongest outcomes. This list does not include all the options available to your child, but serves as a starting point in

the process. We encourage all families to explore options by doing further research!

→ Denotes a high school within 10 miles of KIPP LA Prep ↓ Denotes a high school within 10 miles of KAO

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High School Types & Application Processes

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Charter schools [Examples: Alliance College Ready Schools and DaVinci Schools]Non-district schools you apply to directlyFree of costGrades are not considered in admissionsOpen enrollment: There may be an enrollment lottery based on the availability of spacesApplications are available online or at the individual schoolMagnet schools [Examples: Downtown Business, Francisco Bravo, & Hamilton Music Academy]Schools with specialized programs you apply to directly (medicine, arts, music)Free of costGrades are not considered in admissions For LAUSD residents, complete the E-Choices application online Students are admitted based on a Priority Point systemTraditional public schools [Examples: Manual Arts High School & Roosevelt High School]Local school district in your neighborhoodStudent’s school is determined by residenceFree of costGrades are not considered in admissionsRegistration takes place through your local school district

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Religious schools [Examples: St. Mary’s Academy, Cathedral High School, & Pacifica Christian]Schools with religious affiliations (Catholic & Christian) All girls, all boys, and co-ed optionsTuition & fees chargedGrades and HSPT test scores are considered in admissionsApplications may be available onlineIndependent day schools [Examples: Vistamar & Harvard Westlake]Students live at homeMay have specialized curriculumAcademically rigorous and competitive application processAll girls and co-ed optionsTuition & fees are chargedGrades and ISEE test scores are considered in admissionsApplications may be available onlineBoarding schools [Examples: Cate & The Thacher School]Students live on campus, away from home, while attending schoolMay have specialized curriculumAcademically rigorous and competitive application processAl girls, all boys, and co-ed optionTuition & fees are chargedGrades and SSAT test scores are considered in admissionsApplications may be available online

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Materials & Requirements

Note: Application and eligibility requirements vary by school. Be sure to verify the requirements and eligibility prior to beginning your child’s application.

If you are applying to a charter school…You will need:☐ Application (requires basic parent & student info)

You might also need:☐ Letters of recommendation (English &/ Math Teachers, & Counselor/Administrator)☐ Student essayIf you are applying to a magnet school…You will need:☐ Application (requires parent & student info) – For LAUSD residents: http://echoices.lausd.net/If you are applying to a religious school…You will need:☐ Application (requires parent & student info)☐ Transcripts ☐ Take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) or the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)☐ Letters of recommendation (usually including: English &/ Math Teachers, & Counselor/Administrator)☐ Complete the Financial Aid for Student Tuition (FAST) or other financial aid assistance application☐ Fees for applications, HSPT/ISEE, & financial aid assistance application

You might also need:☐ Student essay☐ Parent essayIf you are applying to an independent or boarding school…You will need:☐ Application (requires parent & student info)☐ Transcripts☐ Student essay☐ Student interview/school visit☐ Letters of recommendation (usually including: English, Math, Counselor/Administrator, & Personal)☐ Take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)☐ Complete the Parent Financial Statement or other financial aid assistance application☐ Fees for application, ISEE/SSAT, & financial aid assistance application

You might also need: ☐ Parent interview☐ Parent essay

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KTC’s Role & Your Child’s Middle School’s Role Your child’s High School Placement Advisor works closely with teachers & staff at KIPP LA middle schools to ensure your child’s success. In order to increase efficiency, specific roles are outlined below.

Your child’s middle school will: Your High School Placement Advisor will:

• Provide attendance records and report cards needed for the application process

• Write letters of recommendation on your child’s behalf

• Communicate with Admissions offices and representatives at high schools

• Submit completed letters of recommendation directly to high schools

• Access your child’s transcript and submit it directly to high schools

How to Request a Letter of RecommendationIn order to ensure all application materials are submitted on time, all KIPPsters should follow the steps outlined below in order to request a Letter of Recommendation from any KIPP LA staff (including teachers and School Leaders)

Note: High schools have different requirements for letters of recommendation. Identify the staff members (teachers, counselor, principal) requested for each high school’s application.

Steps to request a Letter of Recommendation from KIPP LA staff:1) Print out/make a copy of the forms provided by the high school. 2) Give each staff member the materials at least three weeks before the application deadline.

• Provide the KIPP LA staff member with the following materials (paper clipped together):• A copy of the recommendation form provided by the high school• An envelope with your name and the name of the high school written on the front (If you are applying

to more than one school, provide an envelope for each.)3) Once completed, the staff member will leave your sealed recommendation in the KIPP Through College basket in the main office. Your HSP Advisor will submit all recommendations to the high schools on your behalf.

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Financial Aid Resources for Boarding, Independent, & Religious Schools

Note: All families must share a copy of their financial aid award with their Advisor.

WHAT IS IT?High schools offer financial aid to those who cannot afford the cost of attendance. Financial aid is available to cover the cost of tuition and non-tuition expenses (textbooks, student fees, supplies, field lessons, etc).Awards are based on demonstrated need as well as the availability of funds.

HOW DOES IT WORK?Families must apply for financial aid each year by completing an application.High schools will continue to provide financial aid each year as long as financial need continues to be demonstrated; the amount of aid may vary from year to year. Requirements to maintain financial aid vary by school. It is important to submit financial aid applications before the deadline. Late applications may affect the amount of aid awarded.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONSFinancial aid applications vary by school.Two common financial aid applications are the School & Student Services Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) and the Financial Aid for School Tuition Application (FAST). The PFS is typically required for independent and boarding schools, while the FAST is often required for independent and religious schools.

SCHOLARSHIPSScholarships are limited but may be available, depending on the school. Scholarships are often given to students based on the following:

• Academic excellence• Demonstrated leadership• Exceptional performance on entrance exams

MATERIALS REQUIRED (if applicable)✓ A copy of current &/ previous year’s taxes ✓ W2 forms✓ Copies of any saving or checking account statements✓ Mortgage statement✓ Retirement (401k) and any pension statements✓ IRS Form 4506-T (Request for transcript of tax form)✓ Health insurance, loans, debts, or vehicle information

WHEN & WHERE DO I APPLY?Financial aid applications are usually available from November to January. Be sure to check in with the Financial Aid office at each school for their individual deadline. The applications can be accessed at the individual schools’ website or at http://sss.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx (for independent schools).

NEXT STEPSFamilies will be notified about their financial awards around March-May.Make sure you communicate with your HSP Advisor regarding any financial aid questions or updates on your financial aid package. If you have any specific questions about your award it is best to directly contact the school’s financial aid office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can my child and I best prepare for the high school application process?A: First, we suggest using a binder to help you and your child keep track of all of their high school application materials. We recommend using this guidebook as a starting point. It is imperative that you meet with your High School Placement Advisor and communicate with them on a regular basis. Lastly, it is important for you and your child to reflect on the types of high schools that will allow your child to thrive, and conduct research on particular schools of interest.

Q: How can I find out if a school will prepare my child for success to and through college?A: When researching high schools for your child, this question should be the focus. There are several ways to evaluate how a high school will prepare your child for academic success. We recommend utilizing the following resources: • API scores: You can find the Academic Performance Index scores for public schools online at

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap/. API scores are an indicator of a school’s academic performance and can offer insight into the academic achievement at a school.

• Graduation and college acceptance rates: These two rates are strong indicators of the academic success fostered at a school, as well as the presence of a college-going culture.

• For public schools, look at a school’s School Accountability Report Card (SARC). The SARC can be found on the CA Department of Education website http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/sa/ or directly on some schools’ websites. The SARC report will provide you with the school’s mission, school and class size, available honors and advanced placement classes, high school graduation rates, college acceptance rates, as well as other school-specific data.

• For boarding schools, you can access this information at www.boardingschoolreview.com.• For independent schools, similar information may be available on the school’s website. Visit the LA

Independent School Alliance’s website at www. laais.org to obtain contact information for specific schools.

Q: What does a balanced high school list look like? How many high school applications should my child submit?A: We recommend you begin with a list of 7-10 high schools, with a range of charter and private options. All schools on your child’s list should fit their interests and academic needs, and be a school they would be excited about attending if they are accepted. Keep in mind that your high school list will change throughout the fall semester; it is important to keep your HSP Advisor notified of any changes.

Q: What is the best way to learn about different high schools?A: We suggest visiting a school and speaking to an admissions representative or staff member as the most powerful way to gain knowledge about a specific school. However, you should begin your research by visiting schools’ websites in order to gain general information about the school, programs offered, and admissions information. You can also call to speak with a staff member at a high school to ask specific questions you may have about classes, requirements, or opportunities offered.

Q: I know about a very good high school but it is not on your list. What factors did KTC use to develop this list? A: The KIPP Through College team utilized many different tools to come up with the KIPP High School recommended list. Due to students’ various needs, different types of high schools were included. High schools with an API below 750 were not included. The list also includes schools that KIPP alumni have attended and have been successful in. Another factor that was considered to develop this list is the support that students receive in either enrichment programming or college access.

Q: Besides the high school application process, how else can my HSP Advisor support me?A: Your HSP Advisor can assist you with researching summer opportunities and enrichment programs for your child. Having experience in college advising and student support, HSP Advisors can also answer any questions you may have about college access, including admissions, financial aid, and requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

Q: Is a magnet school a better option for my child than a charter school?A: A magnet school is a school that typically has a focused or specialized program of study. Depending on your child’s interests and needs, a magnet school may be a strong option. However, it is wise to also apply to charter schools since there are many with specialized curriculum as well.

Q: Does my child need to have straight As in order to apply to an independent or boarding school?A: Although a student does not need to have straight As in order to apply to independent or boarding schools, it is important that they have mostly As and Bs. Being that independent and boarding schools are very academically rigorous, your child’s academic record is the most important factor in admissions.

Q: I am hesitant for my child to attend a religious school because our family is not religious. Are students re-quired to attend mass/church service and only learn about one religion?A: If you are not religious, it is normal to feel hesitant about your child attending a religious school. However, it is also important to keep an open mind to the opportunities available at religious schools. Generally, students are required to attend mass/church service on a regular basis; however, at most schools students do not need to practice a particular religion. We recommend visiting any school, religious or not, to be sure that you and your child are comfortable with the school culture.

Q: Should I request letters of recommendation for my child? A: No. We encourage your child to ask for letters of recommendation from KIPP LA staff on his or her own. Please refer to the “How to Request a Letter of Recommendation“ section of this handbook for our preferred protocol.

Q: My family doesn’t have money to pay for a private high school, should my child only apply to charter schools?A: No. Money should not be the deciding factor on why a student does not apply to a school. For those who qualify, financial aid is available directly from the high school. For more information, please refer to the “Financial Aid Resources for Boarding, Independent, & Religious Schools” section of this handbook.

Q: What test prep opportunities are available for my child?A: If you are very interested in having your child prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) there are programs available at a cost. Kaplan Test Prep provides private tutoring for the SSAT and the ISEE. Pricing and more information is available online at www.kaptest.com. You can also look into Princeton Review, which offers in-person tutoring and web-based tutoring. Pricing and more information is available online at www. princetonreview.com.

Q: If my child does not have any magnet points can they still be admitted into a magnet high school?A: Admission into magnet schools is based on a priority point system, as determined by the district. Your child must meet certain requirements in order to gain a certain amount of points. The more points your child has, the better the chances are of him/her getting accepted.

Q: If my child is applying to a private school, is there a way to get his/her application fees waived?A: Yes. Many independent and boarding schools will waive application fees if students are applying for financial aid. Families can also call the schools directly and ask about fee waivers or fee reductions. Please contact your HSP Advisor to discuss fee waivers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (continued)Q: What do I need to do to set up a high school visit or a shadow day for my child? A: One way to set up a high school visit is by visiting the school’s website and looking up potential open house dates. Open houses are a great way to receive specific information about that particular high school and to get a feel for the campus environment. Another way is by calling the school and setting up an individual visit. Further, some schools offer shadow days where students spend a day at the school shadowing a student. We highly encourage students to attend shadow days in order to understand what it would be like to attend that school. Please make sure you communicate with your HSP Advisor and your child’s middle school about any visits occurring during the school day.

Q: How do I go about getting an Inter-district transfer for my child if I want him/her to attend a public school outside of the LAUSD district?A: To apply for an inter-district transfer you must fill out an application. This application must be signed and approved by your school of residence and the school you wish for your child to attend. You can usually access the application from February though April at http://home.lausd.net/.

Important Links & ResourcesKIPP Through College, Los Angeles – http://www.kippla.org/ktc/ [link to High School Preparation & Placement resources]

Religious school resources• Archdiocese of LA, Catholic Schools – http://www.lacatholicschools.org/• LA Christian School Directory – http://www.usachurch.com/california/los_angeles/schools.htm

Charter & magnet school resources• LAUSD Magnet Program – http://echoices.lausd.net/• LAUSD “School Finder” – http://notebook.lausd.net/schoolsearch/selector.jsp• DataQuest (to access academic data for CA public schools) – http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/

Independent & boarding school resources• Princeton Review – http://www.princetonreview.com/• Parent Financial Statement – https://www12.student-1.com/SSSNet/• Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) – http://erblearn.org/parents/admission/isee• Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) – http://www.ssat.org• Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs – http://www.thealliance-la.org/• A Better Chance – http://www.abetterchance.org/• LA Area Independent Schools (LAAIS) – http://www.laais.org/• National Association of Independent Schools - http://www.nais.org• Boarding School Review – http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/

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High School List Worksheet for FamiliesPrior to your initial meeting with your High School Placement Advisor, please complete this worksheet with your child.

Parents, please list the three most important factors in choosing a high school for your child:

1) ___________________________________________________________________________________

2) ___________________________________________________________________________________

3) ___________________________________________________________________________________

Preliminary High School List: Please list the high schools that you &/ your child are interested in applying. Also, note what interests you about each school.

H I G H S C H O O L O F I N T E R E ST R EA S O N S F O R I N T E R E ST

Are you interested in applying to private schools (parochial, independent, boarding)? Circle one: YES NO If yes, how much is your family able to contribute to your child’s tuition? ___________ per month

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Notes (Feel free to write your notes from advising meetings & workshops here.)

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