William's high school is a semi-selective private school (accepts about 75% of applicants for a class of ~350 kids). More than half of his 8th grade class will be going to Benet. And to my knowledge, none who wanted to go were not accepted. But it's still an official process to apply in the fall by submitting middle school report card, Iowa basic or other standardized test scores and taking the HSPT, the High School Placement Test, which is the standard Catholic high school entrance exam that is administered the first Saturday in December. Results for the exam - as well as admission decisions - come in early January. The exam is used as the basis for placing kids in freshman honors math, history, English and science. The math and languages department have further testing in May if you want to test out (and receive credit) for certain math and language requirements.
In February, the school had Welcome to Benet, which was a combination of pep rally, open house and a light orientation. We met a few teachers; learned about curriculum (somewhat); and could drop in on activities. Like most Catholic schools, the event was held on a Sunday afternoon so that the entire family could attend. This is probably my favorite part of the Catholic school system; no Tuesday at 10 a.m. meet and greets that working parents cannot attend.
We are excited that such a well regarded school is less than 15 minutes drive. And even better that the our local public school district will run a bus route for the kids who go there!
