Hi! I was just wondering what typically happens after you enroll and all the money stuff is in. What’s the typical timeline? So when they send you information about class selections and placement tests etc. I know this might be different at different schools but could someone please outline it? Thanks!
For DS, we signed contract A6. First tuition payment was due May 1. Approximately mid to late-May, he received his course placement tests for foreign language and math. Those were due for completion within a week. Then, mid-June, they sent placements with the course selection packet. About the same time, we received information regarding pre-season training for his fall sport. In July, we received a family information packet that needed completion. Mid-August we received other housekeeping items (spending accounts, book required, etc) that needed taking care of. I believe he received his final schedule, dorm assignment, etc upon pre-season check in.
Every school is different, but this is probably a good general guide. Also, we learned if they say they’ll send something out mid-month…it didn’t mean the 12-15th. It meat more like the 18-20th. Lol
@buuzn03 thank you! Course placement tests are online right?
Ours were not…
Are course placement tests usually sent out before school starts or is it only for your son’s school? And was he a future freshmen student when he received the course selection form?
@buuzn03 Sorry for the questions! I really just want to know what to expect 
There may be exceptions, but IME, all schools send the tests early summer which are needed for all incoming students regardless of entering year.
@buuzn03 's overview is perfect. The timing and nuances may vary by school.
@missinghome21 he was incoming freshman/III form, but the placement packet , as well as course selection, was addressed to all incoming grades.
@buuzn03 I see, but dont freshmen have to go along with the basic courses? Or are they allowed to choose their own? I’m so confused with this High school stuff!
@skieurope Oh I see, thank you!
Again, it’s school specific. Yes, as an example, you will take class-level English regardless of school, but math and foreign language may vary based upon past experience and performance on the placement test.
Like @skieurope says…it is school dependent…SMS requires core courses, but then there are two electives for third forms to choose (DS chose second foreign language plus jazz band) and the Saturday classes are all electives, so he had to choose those. He has the option to take both geometry and honors Algebra II concurrently, but he would’ve had to give up an elective…so it was his choice. I guess what I’m trying to illustrate is, he had core requirements and then a few options…
At our school, math, science, and FL were all determined by placement tests taken at the school. There were also choral and instrumental assessments for students wanting those as their art. All were offered a few times including during orientation. Schools have different ways of doing this but ime, most are quite adept at moving students who feel they were misplaced.
The goal is for you to be challenged but not overwhelmed and to master all the material.
S was sent a packet with several language tests (choose one or more based on your experience) and a math test. It was pencil and paper but it was a few years ago. English and History were standard, science had a few options - some of it based on math class. Math and FL depend on individual experience. S took a second math placement test during orientation and spoke to FL department chair about class placement.
There is some flexibility in moving levels during the beginning of school.
SPS only sent a foreign language test. Math placement was based on the courses that were taken in middle school.
At our school, math and science were determined by some combination of math level in middle school, math SSAT, and an online math placement test given over the summer. Foreign language level was determined by an online placement test given over the summer. It is given with an honor code that you will take it honestly. Plus, you don’t want to be placed incorretly! Level adjustments are made as needed at the beginning of school. Everyone is in the same level humanities (combined English/Social Studies.) At some point over the summer, kids elect if they are going to take drama or musical theater and if they are interested in band/chorus/robotics. The online portal will have summer reading and any summer math assignments. It will also contain pre-season information, though you may already be in touch with the coaches.
Oh! Good point, @carpoolingma !! DS had summer reading assignments…I forgot about those!
Every school is different. You might have to ask some questions. For us, they base math on school curriculum which is very slow ( but they will take into consideration test scores above 90% and other things, like math team etc). I am in the camp of giving a placement test but also realize that could be tough as kids could do well and then have holes in some areas.
I guess placements and course selection is different for each school too. I was to send in my course selections by April and have already received placement tests.
@altablue wow, haha good luck! Are they difficult? And are they online or on paper?
Depends upon the school.
Physical Exam: our athletic conference requires a physical after April 1 (so it is recent), and the school requires the completed forms be received by June 30 (so they can review them). If your doctor’s office is booking far in advance, make sure you’re able to schedule something each year within the window required by your school.