Sonya has been a Graduate Support associate at St. James since 2020. She has helped three classes of St. James graduates get placed into best fit high schools across Pennsylvania, while providing the support they need to transition into a more independent stage of their lives. Recently promoted to director of Graduate Support, Sonya took time to answer a few questions.
How does the high school selection process work?
We start working with students and their families in 7th grade. Students attend a “High School Skills Class” in which they learn how to write a professional email and what attributes high schools look for in potential students, among other things. We also look closely at their academic scores as they’re getting ready to move into 8th grade. We hold a High School Information Night to which family members are invited and we discuss the timeline of the coming year.
Then I create an individualized list of recommended high schools for each student, based mostly on their grades. There are all sorts of schools they might apply for: independent, Catholic, charter or public. As they learn about different schools, students and families add to and subtract from the list.
Some students may submit 15-20 applications during the year, although other students might only ever have to submit one!
I continue to have one-on-one meetings with every family, and make sure we have all documentation necessary for the application process. Sometimes I pull students from class or recess to get writing samples from them.
We attend lots of open houses, go on campus tours, and talk to teachers at the high schools so that students can get a feeling for what a school’s culture is like. We also have a lot of St. James graduates who give our students advice. It’s a whole network, a support system, to make sure students have the tools and resources they need for their matriculation.
What are boarding schools like?
Boarding schools require maturity and independence.It means being away from their families and living somewhere totally new. Students who apply to boarding schools have to have the desire and commitment required.
For example, usually at a standard high school, the day will start at 7 am and last until 3 pm. At a boarding school, you add independent study hours from 6 pm to 8 pm when students are expected to focus on their homework.
Similar to a college, there is a residence hall, meal plans, and even dorm "parents" who help ensure everyone is waking up on time and has what they need to be successful. Students may even receive a cleanliness grade on how tidy they keep their areas.
Some students simply seem destined for boarding school. They make their minds up that they want to go and it’s a big goal they reach for. It is hard work but can be the perfect space for students to grow and learn.
Can you share about your new role as our second Director of Graduate Support?
I intend to bring a new perspective to the processes that (former Director of Graduate Support) Kevin Todd established. I will be putting time and effort into advancement, and be a proud spokesperson for graduates as their advocate.
