High School College
Preparation
The David Posnack Hebrew Day School (DPHDS) objective is to
provide an outstanding, comprehensive general studies program that
meets high academic expectations as we prepare our students in a
college prep and college prep honors program. Underlying the
philosophy of the school is a Judaic studies program that provides
students with an understanding of Jewish history, Hebrew language,
and Jewish values that emphasize responsibility to others, and a
need to contribute to the betterment of the world.
The high school
college preparatory curriculum complies with the State of Florida
requirements for high school graduation and meets college admission
requirements for all public and private universities. Students are
exposed to an expansive array of programs, featuring Advanced
Placement courses, as well as opportunities for leadership and for
excellence in the arts, sciences, and co-curricular activities.
The college
preparatory program in the high school provides students with the
highest degree of readiness to succeed. The high school environment
encourages students to extend their intellectual muscles, all the
while knowing that the DPHDS family is there for support and
guidance throughout the process.
Guidance Counseling
Our college preparatory program begins under the auspices of our
guidance staff, which works in coordination with teachers,
administrators, and parents to ensure that students are thinking
proactively about their college options and opportunities. Our
guidance staff track students' success on a continuous basis.
This tracking includes communicating with parents on the
student’s behalf, focusing on student schedules, arranging
accommodations when required, and working to ensure the
academic, emotional and psychological success of each and every
student.
Academic Testing
The Guidance Department also coordinates all academic testing,
including the Practice Preliminary SAT (PSSS) given to freshmen and
sophomore students in the spring, the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) for
sophomore and junior students, and the PLAN test for sophomore
students in the fall. The Guidance Department will assist students
in registering for the SAT I, SAT II, and ACT tests. Note that for
SAT I, SAT II, and ACT exams, DPHDS is a Sunday test site for
observant students in our community
College Advisement
DPHDS begin its college advisement program in the 8th grade,
which will meet on a weekly basis to discuss the college process in
order to focus students on why it is important to succeed in both
middle and high school. This 12-week course covers testing, course
selection, the college admission process (such as selection
criteria), testing requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
Freshman Year:
At the end of 8th grade, each student plans a four-year program of
high school study. In 9th grade, the guidance
department tracks student plans, maintains note service for the
transition to high school, and offers PSAT test-taking opportunity
in the fall before the required testing in the spring. Students are
encouraged to meet with at least two college representatives during
campus visits.
Sophomore Year:
In 10th grade, students enroll in a second-semester SAT preparatory
class. During their sophomore year, DPHDS staff monitors class
selections, grades, school participation, and club and community
service opportunities. Students will then take PSATs in the fall and
spring and the PLAN in the fall. Students continue to meet with as
many college representatives as possible to gain a better
understanding of the college entrance process.
Junior & Senior
Year: In 11th grade, students enroll in a first-semester SAT
prep class (if needed), take the PSAT in the fall and the SAT and/or
the ACT at least twice in the spring. As juniors, students are
encouraged to accept more responsibility and take the most
challenging courses they can handle successfully. DPHDS at this
stage encourages students not only to continue to meet with college
representatives but conduct family visits to colleges. During the
summer after 11th grade, students start their
applications. With guidance staff, students will review and
develop their activity lists, review lists of colleges, outline
their educational interests, gather teacher and professional
recommendations, and prepare their college essays. Students are also
introduced to the scholarship process as they gain a greater
understanding of the cost of college and the sacrifices that cost
may entail. Finally, as seniors, students will work as individuals
with the guidance counseling staff on each step of their college and
scholarship applications, as well as follow-up obligations.
