05 May Shadow Days
Visiting 8th graders have all the fun and leave without homework
Every individual has the capacity to make a positive impact on society, and finding the right school can set you up for the rest of your life. This is just one reason why we invest so deeply in our high schoolers and elevate bright futures – with a stellar education and a supportive community. In order to make the decision to join us easier, we designed Shadow Days as a way to see behind the magic curtain at The School for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SET High).
What are Shadow Days?
Shadow Days are one example of how we make it easier for students and families to make informed decisions about enrolling at SET. We pair one visiting 8th grader (the “Shadow) and one current 9th grader together for a day in the life of a Freshman at SET High. This unique buddy experience gives our 9th graders the opportunity to share what it’s like to be a Freshman with a prospective student. Shadow Days also offer 8th graders the chance to “try it before you buy it” at our engaging, free public high school.
Each 8th grader joins in all class activities, participates in discussions, and has the chance to experience the day as if attending school like ‘normal’. Normal – minus the homework! The experience each Shadow has in class is the real win. Our classes are extremely engaging, fun, and welcoming.
A Slice of SET Life in Action
We’ve learned that when 8th graders come and experience SET in person and then join us as 9th graders, high school starts with an advantage. Students tell us that walking into a new building with lots of peers who are older than you can feel intimidating. The leap from middle school to high school often seems like a big one, so by giving 8th graders the sneak peek into life as a Freshman, we take the stress of the unknown down by many notches.
Our community is based on acceptance, inclusion, and support. We believe every person has unique talents that should be celebrated and we treat each other with respect. The warm welcome, close connections, and personalized care that students receive at SET High are just a few of the reasons we receive praise from high school parents. Plus, our teachers go the extra mile, our electives are highly sought after for their creativity and out-of-the-box subjects, and our 9th-12th grade students love it here.
How Does it Work?
In order to make this experience a success for every student, we take the time to get to know each prospective future Freshman. SET staff enjoys spending time learning about each 8th grader’s interests and preferences. This way, we are able to connect each Shadow student with a Freshman who appreciates the same things. Incoming students with strong desires for specific subjects get the chance to focus on what stirs curiosity and elicits fun. We have students attending our Stock Market class and more of our beloved electives for Shadow Days as well.
Start High School With Friends
Pairing students together based on compatibility does more than create a fun day for 8th graders. It often creates a small group of friends who stick together throughout high school and into life. After Shadow Days, our students report feeling more comfortable participating in class discussions, more willing to ask questions, and less worried about transitioning to high school.
How to Sign Up?
Would you like your 8th grader to attend a Shadow Day?
You’ve got options. Students are welcome to attend Shadow Days any time of the year.
Most students choose to come for the whole day, while others choose to attend half the day or one single class period. Simply fill out our form with your student’s emergency contact information, choose a focus for the Shadow Day, and we’ll do the rest. We work with you to schedule the best option and greet your student with a smile at the door.
Call us at 858.874.4338 or email info@sethigh.org to get started. Shadow Days are a great way to help your 8th grader choose where to go to high school. Sign up today – We’re enrolling!
About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers, a healthy camaraderie with classmates and an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enrolling now!