Nebinger Students accepted at various High Schools of their choice
With all of the headlines about admissions to magnet and/or catchment high schools, we wanted to talk to students about what it was like applying to high school in Philadelphia. (Many of us simply went to the neighborhood high school in our area.)
If you’ve lived in Philadelphia for a while and follow the district news, you might know that the admissions process is fraught with anxiety and tension, both for students and their families. We’re hopeful that thoughtful and evidence-driven changes by the district to the process will make the process more equitable (and streamlined) for everyone involved. But what is it like for STUDENTS?
This year at Nebinger, 75% of 8th graders got into the high school of their choice. Excellent! We have students going to Palumbo, Central Highl, Roman Catholic, Neumann Goretti, CAPA, Girls High, Parkway Center City Middle College, String Theory and many more. We could not be prouder of our graduating students and the dedicated teachers and staff that have supported them through their formative years.
We reached out to Ms.Traore at Nebinger (7th/8th Grade Math) to ask her about the student’s experiences during the application process and how they were feeling about the transition. Many expressed excitement about their next steps, but bittersweet feelings about leaving Nebinger. One of the things that I love about Nebinger is the community-focus. It’s not a huge school, and its small size gives teachers and staff a lot of time to get to know their students. It really is like a family.
What do the students have to say?
“The high school process was very stressful but thankfully I got into the high school I wanted to get into. (SLA) It was also a rollercoaster since at first I was waitlisted but eventually got in. Nebinger has prepared me with the help of all my teachers and counselor helping me choose which high schools I would fit in.” Aquiles C.
“When I was applying for the high schools it was a bittersweet feeling because I am happy that I am going into high school, but I have to leave Nebinger. Even though I haven’t been here for long, the school staff has helped me achieve my goals.” Bella H.
“I felt great about picking my schools, I feel like Nebinger prepared me to become the person I am today. I got accepted to Roman Catholic High School, and I’m excited. I want to play basketball, and I feel like Roman can really help me with my career. So, thank you to all my teachers!” Keenan N.
“I felt very stressed and overwhelmed throughout the process because the thought of not being good enough for school killed me inside. It makes you feel less than and that’s a terrible feeling to go through at such a young age. I feel much gratitude and happiness because I got into my first selection, CAPA for a dance major. I had my eye on that specific school since the 6th grade and now just looking back “little me” would be so proud of my journey and who I am today. My dream and aspirations are to succeed and grow in not just my dance education but academically. I want to create the best version of myself and hopefully attend U Penn. I just want the best for myself.” Jordan S.
“This whole selection process was exhausting, there were many times where I was doubting my decisions and felt as if I was making a mistake. Maybe it was because this decision meant I was finally moving into a new experience or maybe because I’ve been at Nebinger for 10 years. Now that I’ve finally selected my high school, I feel relieved but at the same time, nervous. This isn’t just pick and go, there are many other factors which still worry me, yet I know none of that is stopping me. Nebinger has prepared me amazingly for high school, the teachers are nothing but supportive. Although they do push my limits, I believe it’s because they know I have more potential, getting me out of my environment to conquer new things. As for now I want to be a mechanical engineer. I plan to focus on my studies, and try at least everyday to push my limits as much as I can. I would also like to go to a trade school, where I can focus on what I do best.” Zeus H.
We know our students will go far and we can’t wait for them to write their success story. (We know Nebinger will be a part of it.)
Learn more about the Nebinger PTA at: www.nebingerpta.org or Instagram: @nebingerpta
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