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October 8

Dear 8th-grade parents,

As we continue to support our eighth-grade students and families through the high school admissions process, we want to share several important upcoming opportunities and events. These include our writing practice session, the Mason Prep High School Fair, the Boarding School Fair at Charleston Day School, and the IB Expo at James Island Charter High School. Each event provides students and families with helpful information, preparation, and opportunities to learn more about the high school admissions process and next year's options.

See the list of all upcoming dates here.

• Mason Prep’s annual High School Fair will take place in the Mason Prep gym next Wednesday, October 14, at 6:30 PM. Representatives from local high schools will be present to share information on their admissions process. All 7th- and 8th-grade students and their parents are encouraged to attend. Students should dress nicely for the event (no athletic wear).
• Charleston Day School is hosting a Boarding School Night on Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Mason Prep 7th- and 8th-graders and their parents are invited to attend and will hear from representatives from over twenty boarding schools.
• James Island Charter High School is hosting its annual IB Expo on October 27. The event will be held in the Performing Arts Center, with a meet-and-greet with IB students and teachers beginning at 5:30. The main presentation will begin at 6:00. Families are asked to park in the student parking lot at the rear of the school and enter through the main entrance.
• We will offer a practice writing sample exercise at Mason Prep on Wednesday, October 28, from 3:15 to 4:30 to help all interested students prepare for this portion of the application process. The registration deadline is Friday, October 16.

September 28

Dear 8th-grade parents, 

As we continue to support our eighth-grade students and families through the high school admissions process, we want to share several important upcoming opportunities and events. These include the visit to Bishop England High School, our writing practice session to help students prepare for the writing samples required by some high schools, the Mason Prep High School Fair, and the Boarding School Fair at Charleston Day School. Each of these events is designed to provide students and families with helpful information, preparation, and opportunities to learn more about the high school admissions process and the options available for next year. 

See the list of all upcoming dates here.

• Each year, Bishop England High School invites our eighth graders to visit their campus, including visits to 9th- and 10th-grade classes. This year’s trip is scheduled for Thursday, November 19. Bishop England will provide transportation to and from the school and will serve lunch for all who attend. This visit is optional; those students who do not wish to visit Bishop England will not have to attend. Bishop England will have a bus ready to pick up our interested students by 7:50 AM on November 19. Our students are asked to wear their daily uniform; NO shorts or PE uniform. Students not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to attend. After the visit, eighth- graders will be transported by bus back to Mason Prep by 1:30 PM. Please complete this form and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher no later than Wednesday, October 7.
• Mason Prep’s annual High School Fair will take place in the Mason Prep gym on October 14 at 6:30 PM. Representatives from local high schools will be present to share information on their admissions process. All 7th- and 8th-grade students and their parents are encouraged to attend. Students should dress nicely for the event (no athletic wear).
• Charleston Day School is hosting a Boarding School Night on Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Mason Prep 7th- and 8th-graders and their parents are invited to attend and will hear from representatives from over twenty boarding schools. See the invitation here.
• Part of the application process for many high schools’ admissions testing is a writing sample. We will offer a practice writing sample exercise at Mason Prep on Wednesday, October 28, from 3:15 to 4:30 to help all interested students prepare for this portion of the application process. Please note that all 8th-grade students are welcome to attend this session, as they can benefit from this type of practice. Click here for the registration form. 

September 10

Dear 8th Grade Families,

It’s hard to believe, but it’s already time to start thinking about the next exciting chapter: high school! As you and your student begin exploring options and navigating the application process, I’m here to help make things as easy and manageable as possible.

I will be your point of contact throughout the high school selection process. Every couple of weeks, I’ll send an update with the latest information from area high schools, including important dates, deadlines, open houses, and other details you’ll want to have on your radar.

We’ll also be adding a high school information section to the Parent Portal so you’ll have a central place to find helpful resources and information. I’ll let you know as soon as that is ready.

There will be plenty more to come, but for now, know that I’m here as a resource for you and your student. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions at any point along the way.

It’s an exciting year, and I look forward to helping each of our 8th graders find the right place for what comes next!

Warmly,

Katrina Bryan
bryank@masonprep.org

This Week's Resources

General Information & Important Upcoming Events

Download the Info Document

Dates Coming Up Soon!

Charleston County School Choice: (Academic Magnet High School, James Island Charter High School - non-James Island and Folly Beach residents, School of the Arts). Information for the 2027-2028 school year is not currently available.
Tentative: early January 2027 – School Choice Application available online

Boarding School Night
Boarding School Night | Oct. 15 | at Charleston Day

Ashley Hall
Visit the Ashley Hall Admissions page for information and to submit an inquiry.
Sept. 30 @ 6:00PM: Open House

Bishop England High School
Visit the Bishop England Admissions page for additional information and to submit an inquiry.
Nov. 5 @ 6:00pm: Open House

Charleston Collegiate School
Contact Bonnie Scapellato at admissions@charlestoncollegiate.org or 843-559-5506 Ext. 226 to arrange for a visit and tour.
Oct. 1: Applications open

Cristo Rey Charleston High School
If you’d like to learn more about Cristo Rey Charleston High School, click here.
Sept. 26 @ 9:30-12:30: Open House @ Trident Technical College Building 920

First Baptist
Visit First Baptist Admissions for additional information and to submit an inquiry.
Sept. 24 @ 5:00pm: Open House - James Island Campus

James Island Charter High School
If you’d like to learn more about the James Island Charter High School IB program and complete the IB application, click here.
Oct.27 @ 5:30pm: IB Expo at JICHS

Lucy Beckham High School
Visit the Lucy Beckham Prospective and New Student page (Learn about Beckham) to learn more about the school and to sign up for a tour.
Oct. 6 @ 4:30pm: Becoming a Bengal information session

Oceanside Collegiate Academy
Visit OCA Admissions for enrollment information.
Sept. 14 @ 4:00pm: Shark Talk – information session

Palmetto Christian Academy
Visit Palmetto Christian Academy Admissions to submit an inquiry and schedule a tour.
October 22 @ 6:00pm: High School Open House