Dear 8th Grade Parents: Although the school year has just begun, it is time to start making plans for your child’s education next fall. We would like to encourage you to continue making quality Catholic Education a priority for your family by selecting a Catholic High School for your child’s secondary education. Below and continued on the back of this sheet is important information regarding the Catholic High School Application process. More information about registration for local high schools will come home with your child in a few weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (716) 433-6422 ext. 443 or any admissions representative from one of the Catholic High Schools (contact information is attached to this letter as well as important dates/times). Sincerely, Katie Badura School Counselor Catholic High School Application Process
Discuss with your child their hopes for the following school year. “Where do you see yourself next fall?” is an excellent way to begin the conversation about their hopes and dreams for high school.
While discussing their options for secondary education, have them narrow down their choices for where they would like to attend high school to two or three choices. As part of this process, I highly encourage students to shadow a current student at the school they are interested in attending. (Shadow Days are considered an excused absence; more information regarding Shadow Days are attached).
Once you and your child have determined where they would like to attend, reference the attached chart to find the contact information for the various Catholic High Schools. Listed beside the contact information for each school, is the school’s website. This website will be invaluable to you throughout the application process.
Under the admissions link on each school’s website, there will be important information about Open Houses, Application Deadlines, Entrance Exam Prep Courses, and the Entrance Exam itself. It’s important to note that this information differs from school-to-school.
After you click on Admissions link, you should find a link that states: “Apply for Admission”. Click on this link to begin the application process. Please note that if your first choice is Saint Francis High School, you should use their website to apply for admission. On the application, there is a spot for your second choice. For example, if your second choice was Cardinal O’Hara High School, you would list it under that spot. You would not submit an additional application through Cardinal O’Hara’s website. Please note: Your first choice school is often the only one able to offer you financial assistance/scholarships.
After you have completed the application process, it’s important to do well on the Catholic High School’s Entrance and Scholarship exam given at the student’s first choice high school. There is a $20 testing fee(which may be included if your child takes the Entrance Exam Prep Course), and students may use calculators.
Many schools offer Entrance Exam Prep Courses to help you prepare for the exam. These are not mandatory. It’s important to note that these courses charge a nominal fee. Check the school’s website for more information.