Secondary School Counseling

The transition to secondary school is a milestone moment that validates the entire Pre-K–8 journey.

By the time our students reach eighth grade, they have found their voices and are well on their way to becoming confident, articulate leaders ready to thrive in the most competitive secondary schools in the country.

Counseling Timeline

The placement process is a collaborative journey that begins in the spring of Grade 7, ensuring families feel known and supported every step of the way.

Setting Goals Together

Families meet individually with our counseling office to build a profile of the student's strengths, interests, and aspirations.

Personalized Lists

We develop a curated list of schools that align with the student’s unique profile and the family's values, and make sure we work towards a "best-fit" outcome. Our students look at a variety of different high school options including public schools, parochial schools, and independent schools both near and far.

SSAT Prep

Derby runs an end of summer SSAT bootcamp where students learn test prep, testing strategies, and individualized testing support. The bootcamp takes place the week before school starts and every Friday during the month of September.

Weekly Guidance

Grade 8 students participate in dedicated classes to navigate applications, craft authentic essays, and manage the logistics of the process.

Interview Coaching

Students receive individualized "mock interview" coaching to refine their public speaking skills and articulate their Derby experience with confidence.

Counselor Connection

Our office visits area schools annually and maintains deep relationships with admissions teams to advocate for your child.

Life Beyond Broad Cove

Derby graduates are highly sought after for their character and academic readiness. We have guided our families toward excellence across a wide spectrum of secondary options, sending graduates to over 150 schools throughout the US.

Whether the right fit is a prestigious boarding school, an independent day school, a parochial school, or a local high school, our students arrive as "Derby Graduates," meaning they are confident leaders who know exactly who they are.

Where Our Students Go

Our graduates consistently find success at the most reputable institutions, carrying our mind and heart philosophy with them into the world.