Finding the Right Fit:
Secondary School Counseling
Our secondary school counseling program complements the educational experience with an ongoing, collaborative effort to assist families in the secondary school admissions process.
Seventh & Eighth Grade
In the spring of Seventh Grade, each family begins meeting with one of our counselors, who suggests appropriate schools for application. Students and families are encouraged to explore these suggestions over the summer. In the fall of 8th grade, all students participate in Smooth Talk, a signature program in DCD’s middle school. It involves advanced public speaking, practice interviewing, and introspective writing so that every student is prepared to enter the secondary school application process with success.
Beyond DCD
Our goal is for students to gain admission to schools well matched to their academic skills and extracurricular interests. By Eighth Grade, DCD students are eager and ready to meet their next educational challenges. They have seen the fruits of intellectual curiosity and imagination grounded in disciplined study. They have met high expectations of leadership, group responsibility, and academic achievement, as well as integrity, kindness, and understanding.
Secondary School Counseling Team
Secondary School Relationships
Through the efforts of our Director of Secondary School placement and the success of our graduates, DCD has cultivated and maintains excellent relationships with all the New England area boarding and day schools. In the fall we host a panel discussion with representatives from several secondary schools so that students and parents have an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of the different types of schools to which students can apply including day schools, boarding, single-sex, and sectarian.
