Transition from Far Brook to High School
One of the benefits of a K-8 educational structure is the opportunity afforded the Eighth Graders to serve as the leaders of the School. The responsibility of being role models for younger students gives the Eighth Grade a unique identity as a class and gives the individuals in the class multiple opportunities to exercise judgment, gain confidence, and show care and concern for others in preparation for high school and for life.

Secondary School Placement
After Eighth Grade, Far Brook students attend a wide variety of high schools; co-ed and single-sex independent day schools in New Jersey, and boarding schools throughout the Northeast.

Families work with our Director of Admissions and Placement to identify options that best meet the student’s and the family’s priorities. All are encouraged to weigh considerations such as the students’ learning styles, strengths and challenges, curricular needs, and extracurricular interests, as well as each school’s mission, philosophy, and pedagogical approach. The year-long process of reflection and self-evaluation allows students and parents to make deliberate and informed choices about the optimal educational environment for high school.

Over the course of the Seventh and Eighth Grade years, the Director of Admissions and Placement, the Head of School, and the Director of Upper Schools meet with families in groups and with each family individually. Several events are planned to assist families in gathering information and navigating the transition.

Placement Events

Sixth Grade Year:
• Secondary School Fair at Far Brook

Seventh Grade Year:
• Choosing a School after Far Brook Workshop – Part I
• SSAT Exam Administered (for practice)
• Secondary School Fair at Far Brook

Eighth Grade Year :
• Choosing a School after Far Brook Workshop – Part II
• SSAT Exam Administered
• Interview Workshop
• Public School Panel Discussion

At the end of the Eighth Grade year, students leave Far Brook with a sense of who they are. Each graduate has tackled complex material in the classroom and has extended him or herself on the stage, in the art studio and woodshop, in the school choir, and on the playing fields. Having spent their preadolescence taking risks in a safe, nurturing environment, enjoying strong relationships with teachers and peers, Far Brook graduates report experiencing a smooth transition to the increased academic, organizational, and social demands of high school.

High Schools attended by Far Brook students in the last five years are shown below:

Public Schools
Columbia High School (South Orange/Maplewood)
Cranford High School
Elizabeth High School
Madison High School
Millburn High School
Montclair High School
Mountain Lakes High School
Orange High School
Summit High School
Union High School
West Orange High School

Independent Day Schools
Academy of St. Elizabeth
Delbarton School
Gill St. Bernard's School
The Hotchkiss School
Kent Place School
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Morristown-Beard School
Newark Academy
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
The Pingry School
Seton Hall Preparatory School
Villa Walsh Academy
Wardlaw-Hartridge School

Boarding Schools
Deerfield Academy
Foxcroft School
Groton School
The Lawrenceville School
Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Exeter Academy
St. Andrew's School
The Peddie School
The Williston Northampton School

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