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September 20, 2023
Dear St. Barnabas Junior High Parents/Guardians,
It’s an exciting time of year for high school admissions as we lead up to the 8th Grade High School Placement Test (HSPT) this December.
To support the decision-making process, we have outlined some details about visiting area high schools, preparing for the test, and scholarship opportunities. While our 8th-grade students are closest to the decision process, we also share these details with our 6th and 7th-grade families as you and your child begin to reflect on the high-school decision.
This is not an exhaustive list of school options but a guide to some of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools traditionally well-attended by St. Barnabas students. Should have have questions about public schools in our area, including exploring CPS Select Enrollment options, please connect with School Counselor, Ms. Jeanne Miller at jmiller@stbarnabasparish.org.
HIGH SCHOOL FAIR
On Friday, September 29, our 7th and 8th-grade students will have the opportunity to hear from a number of the Catholic High Schools. This is a student-only school-day event.
VISITING SCHOOLS
Open house visits and shadow days are a popular and beneficial experience for students when considering a high school. St. Barnabas 8th grade students are allowed two excused absence days to participate in a shadow experience. Shadow days require pre-approval from St. Barnabas School. If your child plans to miss a day of class, please email Mrs. Connolly at sconnolly@stbarnabasparish.org. Shadow days also require advance scheduling through the high school. Each high school is unique in its shadow offerings. Some schools only allow for current 8th-grade students, while others allow 6th-8th grades to shadow. Many schools also host admissions events for specialized student interests, including honors/AP courses, theater, music, sports, Model UN, and STEM. Details are available through their admissions website.
HSPT
The HSPT entrance exam for all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago is Saturday, December 2. Registration for the exam is coordinated by students and parents/guardians directly with the high school admission office, not through St. Barnabas. Students may only take the test at one area Catholic High School. Below, you will also find information about the optional entrance exam preparation course offered at St. Barnabas through Redwood Prep. HSPT preparation books are also available at retailers such as Amazon, should you wish to use that as a resource.
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DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE
Shadow Days - most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; pre-registration required
Open House - Wednesday, October 18 and Saturday, November 11
Prospective Student Info Sessions - Wednesday, October 4; Thursday, October 26; Thursday, November 16
Parent Info Session - Tuesday, September 26; Thursday, October 12; Friday, November 3; Tuesday, November 28
LINK to the De La Salle Admissions
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MARIAN CATHOLIC
Shadow Days - various days through December 1st; pre-registration is required.
Open House - Tuesday, October 3 and Sunday, November 5
LINK to the Marian Catholic Admissions
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SAINT IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP
Shadow Days - Campus Visit Day through November 17, open to 8th-grade students only; pre-registration is required
Open House - Sunday, November 12
Admissions Coffee - Wednesday, September 27; Wednesday, October 4; Wednesday, October18; Monday, October 30. Pre-registration required, parent/guardian event
LINK to the St. Ignatius Admissions
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ST. LAURENCE
Shadow Days - October 6 and 9; pre-registration required
Open House - Sunday, October 1 and Sunday, November 12
Personal Tour - Wednesday, October 18
LINK to the St. Laurence Admissions
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BROTHER RICE
Shadow Days - most Fridays and also on Columbus Day; pre-registration required
Open House - Sunday, October 1 and Sunday, November 5
Last Look Open House - Wednesday, November 29
LINK to the Brother Rice Admissions
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MT. CARMEL
Shadow Days - available most days to boys in 7th or 8th grade; pre-registration required
Open House - Sunday, October 15 and Sunday, November 12
Prospective Moms - Thursday, October 26, for mothers of current 8th-grade boys
Honors Program Preview - Thursday, November 2
Link to the Mt. Carmel Admissions
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ST. RITA
Shadow Day - any day of the week, pre-registration required
Private Tours - Private tours are available upon request.
Open House - Sunday, October 8 and Thursday, November 16
Academic Programs Nights - Tuesday, October 24
Link to the St. Rita Admissions
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High Entrance Preparation
8th-grade students have the option of taking a High School Placement Test (HSPT) prep course this fall through Redwood Prep.
The $250 four-week course will take place on Saturdays in November from 9:30am - 11:30am OR 12pm - 2pm at St. Barnabas School.
The course covers all five sections of the test: Verbal Skills, Reading, Mathematics, Quantitative Skills, and Language. The course begins with a comprehensive assessment exam, and the rest of the course focuses on learning content, tailored strategies, practice questions, and time management. Instructor Dr. Matt O’Keefe is a St. Barnabas Science teacher and has worked with Redwood Prep for over ten years. Register today for the REDWOOD course.
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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION | |
A number of high schools or scholarship opportunities request letters of recommendation from teachers or administrators. Should your 8th-grade child need a letter of recommendation, please ask them to reflect on who best to write the letter and to reach out to the staff members as soon as possible. | | | |
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Many area Catholic High Schools offer need-based financial assistance. We encourage families to explore this process now, as several schools have a financial assistance deadline before the December entrance exam. Some high schools also offer merit and legacy scholarships. Scholarship information can be found on each school's admission website.
Detailed below are a few additional scholarship opportunities for families to consider. These scholarships are not tied to a particular high school, and all students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply.
DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP
application due October 1
8th-grade applicants who demonstrate financial need as well as academic and leadership potential are the best candidates for a Murphy scholarship. Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area or Lake County to be eligible for the scholarship. MORE DETAIL.
LINK UNLIMITED
application due March
Any black 8th-grade student with demonstrated financial need is eligible to apply to LINK Unlimited Scholars. Competitive candidates are confident communicators who are highly motivated, focused, involved in school and community, desire mentorship, and are college-bound. MORE DETAILS.
ILLINOIS TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIPS
application due January
Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarships may cover up to 100% of a student’s tuition;
eligibility is based on household income. MORE DETAILS.
Illinois tax credit scholarships provide a great benefit to Catholic schools and are in danger of being eliminated. Learn more HERE. We encourage all St. Barnabas families to reach out to your legislature HERE and tell them you want the tax credit scholarship to continue.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
In the spring of 8th grade, St. Barnabas School, along with the Men’s Club, Athletic Board, and School Advisory Board, will honor a few students with partial scholarships to support their future high school plans.
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If you have any questions regarding the high school application process, please reach out to School Counselor, Ms. Jeanne Miller, jmiller@stbarnabasparish.org. | | | | | | |
