At Redwood Day, preparing students for high school is an intentional, multi-year journey that supports each learner academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our goal is to help students develop the confidence, skills, and self-knowledge they need to thrive in high school and beyond.
Academic Readiness
In the upper grades, students engage in a rigorous, inquiry-driven curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Through a mix of core subjects and enriching electives, students build strong academic habits and deepen their understanding across disciplines. Our approach encourages independence, curiosity, and the ability to advocate for oneself in various learning environments.
Leadership & Identity
We believe that self-awareness and community engagement are key to high school readiness. As students move through middle school, they take on increased leadership roles—whether in student government, affinity groups, service learning projects, or peer mentorship. We guide students in exploring their strengths, values, and goals so that when it’s time to apply to high school, they are well-prepared to make thoughtful decisions about their future.
High School Counseling
Redwood Day offers personalized high school counseling to all 7th and 8th-grade families. Our Director of High School Counseling works closely with students and parents to identify schools that align with each student’s learning style, interests, and aspirations—whether independent, parochial, charter, or public. The counseling process includes:
- Individual and family meetings
- High school information sessions and panels
- Interview and essay-writing preparation
- Application timeline and organizational support
- Communication with admissions teams on behalf of students
A Thoughtful Transition
We view the transition to high school not just as a next step, but as a rite of passage. Through advisory, capstone experiences, and end-of-year events, we help students celebrate their time at Redwood Day and embrace their next chapter with pride and purpose.
We’re proud of the diverse array of high schools our graduates attend—and even prouder of the confident, capable people they’ve become along the way.
