Why is 7th Grade so important?
Many of the top Chicago public high schools, including Payton, Northside, Jones and Lane, demand near perfection from students in order to enroll, with the process being likened to landing a spot at an Ivy League college. Admission is based on a 900-point scale composed of grades in 7th grade, NWEA MAP Test scores, and Entrance Exam scores. To provide some insight as to how competitive the process is, here are some statistics* from the 2011-2012 school year:
The margin of error is so small that a single missed question on the entrance exam or one missed assignment could be the difference between acceptance and rejection. The pressure and stress that corresponds with such a competitive environment can often be overwhelming, especially for a 12 year-old with hundreds of other things on his/her mind.
The 7th Grade Jumpstart Camp helps students and their families prepare for the higher expectations of a more demanding academic year. Equipped with a new set of Executive Function tools, your student will enter the school year excited, confident and ready to succeed!
For more information about what scores are needed for specific high schools, please follow the link: CPS CUT-OFF SCORES
- Of the 200 students admitted to Walter Payton College Prep, 95 scored 896 or above.
- Payton also accepted 46 students with perfect scores, up from 39 last year.
- At Northside College Prep, over half the admitted students scored 895 or higher.
- Northside accepted 66 students with perfect scores, up from 57 last year.
- Whitney Young Magnet School had a cutoff of 865, up a point from the previous year
The margin of error is so small that a single missed question on the entrance exam or one missed assignment could be the difference between acceptance and rejection. The pressure and stress that corresponds with such a competitive environment can often be overwhelming, especially for a 12 year-old with hundreds of other things on his/her mind.
The 7th Grade Jumpstart Camp helps students and their families prepare for the higher expectations of a more demanding academic year. Equipped with a new set of Executive Function tools, your student will enter the school year excited, confident and ready to succeed!
For more information about what scores are needed for specific high schools, please follow the link: CPS CUT-OFF SCORES
How does the Jumpstart Camp help?
It's never too early to begin developing those CEO executive function skills that can promote success and eliminate stress throughout life. We'll work together to develop good habits, create a plan for success and build the confidence necessary to succeed in such an important year.
ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
We'll discuss the importance of an organized binder, a clean backpack and a personal study space. TIME MANAGEMENT Sports, theater, clubs, daily homework, family events, long-term project. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and it only gets busier from here. We'll learn how to use a planner, work efficiently and manage our time wisely. SPECIFIC 7TH GRADE ASSIGNMENTS We'll begin preparing for those big 7th grade assignments that often cause a great deal of stress: Science Fair, Constitution Test and NWEA MAP testing. |
COMMUNICATION
We'll learn how to approach a teacher respectfully and how to write a proper email requesting extra credit, test information or general help. Communication with teachers and parents is crucial to your academic success and independence. STUDY HABITS Don't study in front of the TV or in a busy room. Instead, set a timer, take lots of breaks, use flashcards, and study in the most efficient and effective way possible. FUN!! It's the last week summer and the last thing a kid wants to do is be stuck in a boring classroom. This is NOT a boring classroom. We'll play games, do art projects, and organize activities that help build these executive function skills. |
* Information taken from Chicago Tribune article published Mar. 3, 2012. Link to article