High School Placement Test Information

Dear Grade 8 Families,

As the season of high school fairs, shadow days, and registration for the HSPT is upon us, we would like to provide some reminders about the process and resources that are available to you.

• Registration for the HSPT opens on Tuesday, September 13 and may be accessed through the following link:  HSPT Registration  Please be reminded that our 8th grade students will take the HSPT at St. Ursula on Wednesday, November 30th.  Therefore, please do not register your child to take the test at any of our area high schools.  If your student is requesting accommodations for the test, you may include that request when registering for the HSPT.  There is a yes or no question asking whether a student needs accommodations. If indicated yes, upload documentation into the registration portal.  All documentation should date no earlier than the 5th grade year, and must be submitted by November 18, 2022.
• Every 8th grade student is permitted two excused absences for shadow days.  In order to receive an excused absence for a shadow day, please have your student take the shadow day form to the high school to be completed by the admissions staff.  The form may be found on the school website as part of the parent resources under the forms and documents tab. The completed form should be returned to Mrs. Jones.
• The Archdiocese has experienced a delay in the printing and mailing of the High School Guides that is unfortunately out of their control.  Because of this, you should be receiving your guides by the end of next week. In the meantime you may refer to this link for the electronic version of the guide. https://www.archbalt.org/schools/our-schools/high-school-admissions/. Please consult this guide as it contains important information about each of the high schools, the application process, and deadlines.
• St. Ursula School will provide the high schools selected by your student as part of the HSPT registration process with the following documents:  progress reports from grades 6, 7, and 8, standardized test scores from grades 7 and 8, and a completed referral form which provides a summary of your student's academic performance, behavior, and personal qualities and contributions.  The middle school team collaborates on these forms in order to provide the most complete picture of the student possible.  Please do not ask teachers to write individual recommendation letters for your students unless those are required for a special program or scholarship.  The materials that the high schools require for admissions are submitted by St. Ursula in a thorough and timely manner and have proven to be what is needed in your student's application process.
• Please consult last week's "What's Ahead Wednesday" for information about the remaining virtual and in-person high school fairs.Please know that we are committed to assisting you in this important process in your student's educational experience.  Please do not hesitate to contact me or your child's homeroom teacher with your questions or concerns.  Thank you.

Faithfully, 
Mrs. Leslie Jones