2018 Graduates Celebrate Acceptances
During the 2018 secondary school admissions season, eighth and ninth grade graduates gained acceptance at many of the top high schools from New England to California. 47 departing graduates will attend 15 private schools, five public schools, and one parochial school next fall; 21 eighth grade students will return for Shore's ninth grade program.
According to Director of Secondary School Counseling Sander van Otterloo, this year's results are on par with Shore's historically strong secondary school placement record: 63% of all applications submitted were accepted, and only 5% resulted in denials. "Numbers like these continue to demonstrate that admissions officers are eager to welcome Shore graduates to their secondary school communities where our students thrive."
Even in the admissions offices of highly regarded boarding institutions, where international reputations only amplify the extraordinary level of competition among applicants, this "Shore effect" seems to have been at work. Still, van Otterloo emphasizes, "The most important factor in secondary school placement success is finding the best fit for every student." Many Shore students gained acceptance at their first choice schools, which included local day and parochial schools, regional boarding schools, and even The Cate School in Carpinteria, California.
"The bottom line as always," says van Otterloo, "is that our eighth and ninth graders are incredibly well prepared to succeed in even the most demanding high school programs. Admissions officers know that Shore does a remarkable job with those things that enable students to thrive, not only in the areas of discussion, written communication, leadership, and service, but also in skills such as self-advocacy and the ability to build relationships with teachers. These are arguably as important as academics, sports, or anything else, both in admissions and in going on to succeed in high school."
Just as striking as the admission statistics, however, is the sheer number of eighth graders—21—who will return for Shore's ninth grade year. "This many students returning for ninth is something we haven't seen in several years," explains van Otterloo. "The buzz about the program is clearly having its own effect in the community." Shore's Class of 2019 can look forward to transformative trips to destinations such as Mississippi and Costa Rica, as well as numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills, further their experience around the Harkness table, and participate on Shore's varsity sports teams or with the advanced theater arts group.
"Families increasingly consider our ninth grade program one of their top choices for their eighth grader," says van Otterloo. "They can see the value in the program itself, and they can see the results in the incredible placement record for those ninth grade graduates." Members of the Class of 2018 will attend Andover, Brooks, Boston University Academy, Exeter, Governor's, Middlesex, and St. John’s Prep.
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Members of the Class of 2018 on Squam Lake
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Shore Country Day School’s mission is to provide an education that inspires a love of learning and encourages children to embrace academic challenge. We seek to build character, cultivate creativity, and value diversity as we help our children become healthy, compassionate citizens of the world.
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admissions, scholarships, and loans, and its educational, athletic, and other programs.