The High School Search Process

Westside offers a variety of resources to assist current seventh and eighth graders as they embark on their high school journey.

Getting Started and Key Steps of the Process

Explore websites and high school fairs to establish a shortlist of schools that interest your child.
Attend Open House events for your chosen schools.
Schedule campus tours (policies on tours may vary from school to school)
Once your child feels the "fit" is right for them, fill out an application
Each school has their own application criteria (feel free to contact the us for advice, support, and assistance)
Schedule a shadow day and interview

Resources

High School Visits At Westside

Each fall, high school admissions representatives from parochial and independent schools visit Westside to meet with interested students. We will post a roster of visiting schools so our students can meet with schools of interest during the school day.

The High School Search: A Family Guide

An up-to-date guide to the ins and outs of the high school search, including open houses, student visits, testing and more.

The High School Search Family Guide

Upcoming Events

High School Information Night (In Person-Westside Theater)

Tuesday, September 16, 5:30-6:30 pm

This annual event is open to all middle school families and offers information about the high school application process for independent, parochial, and public schools. Past students and parents will share their experiences with the search process. You will learn about what worked well for them and what they would do differently if given the chance. Your student is also encouraged to attend.

Preparation During Humanities

Fall Semester

During Humanities class this semester, 8th graders will work with Westside teachers to brainstorm and practice writing personal narratives, as well as prepare for school visits. During Semester 2, students will focus on the social and emotional transition from middle school to high school.

2025-2026 Application Dates and Deadlines

January 6: Parochial School Application Deadline
January 15: Independent School Application Deadline
February: Financial Aid Deadline (varies by school)
February 12: Parochial Decisions
February 20: Independent School Decisions (Released on Ravenna)
February 26: Parochial School Response Deadline
February 27: Independent School Response Date

Westside's Application Process Steps

Step 1: Complete the High School Survey

Step 2: Teacher Recommendations Due November 19, 2025

Step 3: What We Need from Families

Parochial Schools (including Seattle Prep)

For students applying to a parochial school, please complete page 1 of both the fillable PDFs below and return them to Christie VanSkike. Please mark each of the schools you are applying to on the front page.
- Teacher Evaluation Form
- 24.25 School Transcript Request
If the school has an online application and a system to electronically request recommendations (i.e. Seattle Prep), please send ALL requests to christiev@westsideschool.org.
All materials will be submitted to the schools indicated on the first pages of the fillable PDFs before the January deadline.

Independent Schools

For students applying to independent schools, please delegate all Teacher Recommendations, the Common Records Request, and the School Administrator form(s) to Christie VanSkike. (Note that only some of the independent schools may require the administrator form.)

All materials will be submitted by teachers and administrator(s) before the January deadline.

Public High Schools

For students planning to attend a public high school, please let Christie VanSkike know where you will be enrolling - and we will stop sending you reminders about upcoming deadlines :).

If the public school needs an administrator or teacher evaluation form, please send it to Christie VanSkike. She will distribute it to the proper faculty/staff member and return it to the school directly.

Other Schools (including Boarding Schools and those outside of WA)

If you are applying to a boarding school or another independent school outside of WA, please follow that specific school's process. Please direct all teacher recommendations, transcript requests, and administrative recommendations to Christie VanSkike. Applications tend to differ by location, and Christie and Alysse are happy to work with you through the process.

Reminders

Reminder Emails from High Schools

Please note that you will receive reminders from high schools saying that forms are outstanding. DO NOT PANIC. All requested documents will be submitted by the January deadline (usually completing them by the end of December).

Regarding Report Card/Transcript Reminders

8th grade students' full 8th grade report cards will be submitted mid-January at the end of the semester. High schools are aware of this, though they may continue to send email reminders. Many middle schools run on semesters, so high schools are aware and fine with final report cards arriving a week or two after the due date. We have been in communication with the schools and will be sure to turn in everything they need when they need it.

QUICK LINKS

High School Search Guide

High School Planning Questions

Question? Contact:

Christie VanSkike, Registrar
Alysse Mastrude, Enrollment Specialist

Upcoming Events

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