How to select a high school

Picking a high school is more than just where your friends are going. My friends will be scattered everywhere. I know this is a scene that is repeated all over. You need to act for yourself on this one. Thankfully, eighth graders can "shadow”, or attend a high school for one day to see how they like it. There are many factors in choosing a high school.

A high school needs to be many things. For example, a high school has to be near by, affordable, and it has to be safe. Most importantly, it needs to meet your individual desires. I wanted a school that had high academics, a diverse population, open minded teachers, creative electives, and provides a supportive environment to help me through the next four years. I also wanted a school that will help prepare me for choosing the best college to meet my personal goals. With that list of "must haves” I fell in love with Everest Public High School located in Redwood City.

Everest is a charter school based off of Summit Preparatory Charter High School in Redwood City. It had everything I was looking for. And apparently, everyone else felt that way too. Everest and Summit have to use a lottery drawing to figure out which 200 students (100 for each school) get a spot. Over 750 students, approximately a quarter of all the eighth graders in the district, applied. The lottery took place on Saturday, March 13th and it was a bittersweet day. Those who got in were ecstatic, those who did not were devastated. I had applied to both schools and was assigned wait list #275 for Summit and was thrilled when I got a spot at Everest.  

My friends also had some "must haves” of their own, and they all found their ideal schools. My dancing friend loved Sequoia’s dance studio and IB program. My social butterfly friend loves Woodside’s sport teams and events, as well as their classes and teachers. My bookworm friend craves Menlo’s high academics, and is eager to join in some clubs as well. Many friends chose Carlmont and look forward to its music and language programs. What I like best is how all these high schools can have different focuses, giving students an environment that is just right for them. All of the high schools coexist peacefully, and do not need to compete because the students, with a little research, will find the high school that is right for them. There are more than enough students in the district to go around.

Above all, the number one thing to remember when picking a high school is ... relax. All schools are great. Have a backup, but be sure it is one you like. That way if you do not get your first choice you will have a great back up. My backup was Carlmont, a terrific school with a lot to offer. I definitely would not have minded going there, but I am totally excited about attending Everest.  

Attitude is everything. You are going to high school no matter what, so you might as well make those four years the best of your life. The future will be full of new friends, new teachers, and new adventures. Lets all enjoy the ride.

Emma Kerr is an eighth grader at Roy Cloud Elementary School in Redwood City.