It’s hard to believe that it’s the end of November, and our outplacement process is in full swing. What you might not know, unless you’ve had a second grader graduate from Harbor, is that it’s been going on for quite a while. Whether our students entered Harbor as three year olds or as first graders, they are known and understood by their teachers.

During the first grade year, teachers and parents start thinking and talking about their thoughts for their child’s next step after Harbor. In the spring of the first grade year, parents gather with the Head of School and admissions representatives from local independent and public schools. We discuss the admissions and outplacement timeline, required testing, school visits, and how to choose the best school for your Harbor graduate. It is an eye opening experience and it is always bittersweet when we prepare to send our still very young, “senior” students out into the world.

At the beginning of the second grade year, we meet with each family and the teachers who have looped with their class and know them so well. We talk about each child’s strengths, learning styles, motivators and passions. We discuss potential schools and which would provide the optimal environment for our graduates. When a family decides to apply to a school, we compile a comprehensive package which includes personal letters of recommendation from teachers and transcripts from the child’s time at Harbor. Our goal is to provide a detailed portrait of the whole child, that illustrates their academic, physical and social emotional development. Harbor teachers and administrators visit area schools and keep an open dialogue with admissions colleagues throughout the admissions process to guide our families and advocate for each child.

Harbor graduates have gone on to attend a wide variety of independent and public schools, which is a testament to our individualized program that meets and nurtures the needs of each unique child. We are proud to say that our students leave this safe harbor as kind, confident and capable learners!