In Park’s Upper Division, children learn to navigate a new and different schedule with several teachers and classes. We ask parents to focus on their adjustment and opportunities for them to hone organization, time management, and self-advocacy skills. Students change so much over the next three years, and sixth grade is the perfect time to take positive risks and explore new interests. We highly encourage every student to participate in Park’s after-school offerings to develop new passions and to be a part of an athletic team or dramatic production.

At the beginning of Grade 7, students earn term grades for the first time at Park. While these are important points of feedback, we caution students and families against defining success by grades alone. During this year, students should continue to take positive risks and to meet and exceed increased expectations for independence and other habits of scholarship and citizenship. The secondary school search process begins in earnest in the spring of seventh grade with a baseline SSAT and one-on-one family meetings. During these meetings, we will identify student interests, strengths, and growth areas and begin discussing a diverse list of recommended secondary schools to explore. No preparation is needed for the baseline test or first meeting.

Eighth grade is an exciting year as students have many opportunities to lead, both inside and outside of the classroom. They have many chances to express their individuality through the curriculum as well as in secondary school process. During the fall, we work with students and families to prepare for interviews and to manage the process. Our larger priority is to help every student make the most of their final year at Park in preparation for high school.