In some ways it is hard to believe that we are now entering our high school phase of life but Walker is wrapping up the eighth grade. It’s time to start making choices for the next four years.
There are several good options in our area. Walker could go to Memorial High School (our local Catholic high school), Castle High School (our district high school), New Tech Institute (a STEM-based high school with project based learning) or Signature High School (a public charter school).
Walker had some strong ideas about where he wanted to go for high school but we kept an open mind and did our research. We went a few weeks ago to New Tech’s open house and were impressed with what we saw. Project-based learning might be a good option. Walker has had a lot of exposure over the years to Memorial and his class recently went to shadow students there for a day. The one we were most interested in was Signature. Its open house was Monday night and to say that Walker was impressed was an understatement.
Signature is a highly ranked high school not only in our area but also in our state. It offers a rigorous academic program. The freshman seats are in hot demand and once the number of applications exceeds the number of open slots, acceptance is based on a lottery.
Walker has been eagerly awaiting the open house and the opportunity to apply. It took no extra encouragement, harassment or threat to get him to complete his application. In fact, he wrote a rough draft and brought the answers to Bill and me for revision after having the application just one day. Since the application had to be hand lettered, not typed, Walker practiced his handwriting on a separate sheet of paper to make sure he had adequate space to expound. He wanted it to be as neat as could be so he even begged me at 9:30 pm to take him to the store to buy fine tipped pens. How could I refuse?
He finished his application in just one night and tomorrow after school we will submit it to the secretary. Then the waiting will begin.
Best of luck!
I’m impressed. And glad this story ends so well!
And I don’t think I’ve ever seen his handwriting that neat! 🙂