Ask About Horace Mann

I know a lot of people are waiting for M9, but the NYC kids already know where they got in! As a former HM student with two siblings currently attending there, I feel I can answer plenty of questions about it. Go ahead!

We have a new student entering 6th grade… I’ll ask the dreaded question. What’s the workload really like?

Also, can you comment on an introverted/shy child’s experience? My D is shy and I worry about her ability to acclimate to a larger school.

@bancqsy The workload can definitely be a shock for a lot of kids. Before the school year starts, you REALLY need to go over time management skills. They’ll also go over that at Dorr. I’m not gonna lie, the workload is a LOT, but the trick is to not focus on making your work perfect, but getting it done. Also, make sure your kid knows to USE THIER FREE PERIODS!!! 6th graders aren’t used to having them, so they think they’re breaks but they are NOT, at least not most of the time. They are for either doing homework or meeting with teachers. And for your second question, most kids will find their group through their classes, Dorr, clubs, and their homeroom. I don’t mean cliques. Friends tend to settle into groups, due to the large number of students. Students with similar interests and personalities will find each other. Dorr should definitely help with that. Your kid should try to make an effort to put herself out there though, at least a little, or maybe try joining some clubs.

Have you graduated HM already? If so, can you share where you go to college? How did you find the college guidance counselors, and the entire college admissions process at HM? TIA

@sonatarhia No, I actually left because it wasn’t the right fit for me (I entered in kindergarten), but my sister is a senior there, and she got in early decision to Brown. My brother is currently a Junior, so just touring schools right now. I do know that they both love the college counselors, and that my sister had lots of help applying to the perfect schools for her. It is very stressful though, considerably more so because of the intense workload combined with applications. There are also a lot of legacy students and athletes (my sister is neither), so she had to work hard to stand out, because colleges can’t accept too many students from one school.

Thank you - very helpful info!

hii! I’m applying to 10th grade and have pretty strong grades. I have been taking all honors classes and I am currently in Algerab 2 HNs in 9th grade. If I score around a 2200 on the SSat what do you think my chances are?