How to High School

Details:

Tuesday, October 27, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Dawson School | 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette, CO

High school isn't easy, but picking the right one should be.

How are you supposed to know what high school is right for your family? (Especially when your child seems to be a different person practically every single day!)
Let us help.

At our How to High School workshop, you'll learn:

Five considerations that will define your high school experience.
What to look for on every tour you take.
Real questions you can ask to ensure deeper, more honest answers from any high school you're considering.

Expect a roadmap, not a sales pitch.

Most high school admissions events are enrollment tours in disguise. And yes, you can expect to hear how what we know informs the way we teach.
But How to High School is much more. You’ll leave with the tools you need to identify the right school:

A one-page checklist of questions to ask any high school you tour
Dawson’s four-year college roadmap
The slides from the evening
A newfound confidence you’re on the right path to the best high school

Registration

Five things parents are worried about today.

How do I make sure my kid feels supported, recognized, and known?

We'll cover the big changes from eighth to ninth grade, how advisory and mentorship can benefit students over four full years of high school, and how strong relationships with adults help keep students engaged and connected.

Are we limiting our college options if we choose a smaller high school?

Our educators will share what the ideal four-year college prep arc looks like, why "How many APs can my child take?" matters less than how a school helps students build a compelling transcript, and how to evaluate a college counseling program's offerings and outcomes.

Does my kid really have to have their life’s passion figured out by ninth grade?

We’ll discuss where the “specialize early” narrative comes from and how it can limit opportunities. There’s a big difference between how many programs a school lists and how many students truly get to participate and grow. We’ll help you sort it out.

Will my child be encouraged when they excel and supported when things get hard?

There’s a massive difference between a school that keeps kids busy and one that makes them think. It’s important to challenge students and let them learn the value of effort and ambition. And it’s equally critical to have caring adults who know when to step in so the student learns to handle pressure without feeling overwhelmed.

Does the school use technology to cut corners or expand horizons?

Find out whether technology is used to deepen learning or simply to keep students occupied. High schools should be leveraging technology to create deeper learning experiences, connect students to real-world challenges, and stretch their abilities.