Grade 8 Students Find New Communities for Next Year
One of the joys of my job is watching our students grow up, from the time they are an Early Childhood Dragon to their day of graduation. They change so much during these formative years and really begin to develop a strong sense of identity.
Part of this process is helping them arrive at the next step of their journey. Although it’s bittersweet, because it means their time at WES is drawing to a close, our team works diligently to support each student through the high school admissions process. Our Middle School faculty begin providing personalized school recommendations at the end of Grade 7, and Division Director Kristin Cuddihy and I meet with each family individually over the summer to discuss their options. We focus on helping each student and family discover the community that aligns with their values and in which their student will thrive.
Next, our admissions team conducts practice interviews with our students to ensure they put their best foot forward when they meet with potential schools. After our students have applied, Kristin and I meet with every school to discuss our students’ strengths and what they would offer their new communities.
Although the competition was stiff for independent schools this admissions season, our Dragons were once again accepted to excellent high schools. Next year, our Dragons will be attending:
- St. John’s College High School (3)
- Georgetown Prep (2)
- Madeira (2)
- Maret (2)
- St. Albans (2)
- St. Andrews Episcopal School (2)
- Walt Whitman High School (2)
- Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
- Bishop Ireton
- DeMatha Catholic High School
- Duke Ellington School of the Arts
- Georgetown Day School
- St. John’s College High School (Scholars)
- National Cathedral School
- Our Lady of Good Counsel (Xavieran Scholars)
- Sandy Spring Friends School
- St. Anselm’s Abbey
Every class of Dragons is special in its own way; the Class of 2021 may be one our most unique classes yet. Incredibly gifted, they count a number of athletes, artists, and writers among them. They are kind, loyal, and independent, as well. They possess the confidence to blaze their own trails, which they often do, but also hold one another in the highest regard, as family. They have faced the challenges of COVID with good grace and humor, displaying resilience and maturity beyond their years. Their new communities are lucky to have them, and we can’t wait to see how they will continue to grow and hear about the many contributions they will make to their new schools.
Danny Vogelman
Head of School
