Graduate Support Program

Helping Our Graduates Continue To Succeed

Nativity Preparatory Academy provides an extensive Graduate Support Program to help students build on the academic progress and life skills they have learned at Nativity Prep as they transition to high school.

Nativity Preparatory Academy graduates speaking at a lectern

Program Benefits

  • High school placement classes and application assistance during 8th grade
  • Tutoring and mentoring support once in high school
  • Student advocacy with high school counselors, teachers, and administrators as needed
  • Tuition assistance for families in need of additional gap funding for high school
  • Postsecondary placement navigation support
  • Social events
  • Service opportunities and more!

High School Placement Support

Nativity’s comprehensive high school placement process works with families to place each graduating eighth grader in a high school where they’ll thrive—academically and socially—and where they’ll have the support and resources needed to achieve their goals in high school, in college or a career, and beyond.

Types Of School Choices

Private

  • Application required: acceptance based on grades, behavior, and teacher recommendations
  • Application required: acceptance based on grades, behavior, and teacher recommendations
  • Highest rates for graduation and going to college

Charter

  • Lottery-based admission
  • High graduation and moderate college placement rates

Magnet

  • Interest-based application process
  • Moderate graduation and college placement rates

Public

  • Location based unless applying through the Urban-Suburban program, which is based on academics

Our 15 graduates from the Class of 2024 are now continuing their high school careers at schools across the Rochester area, including:

  • McQuaid Jesuit
  • The Aquinas Institute of Rochester
  • RocSci High School
  • RCSD
  • School of the Arts
  • The Charles Finney School
  • Hope Hall

The Graduate Support Program plays a key role in preparing each of our students for the next steps in their educational journey, continuing to work with students throughout their high school years to ensure they’re prepared for whatever path they aim to take. Over 95% of Nativity graduates complete high school on time, and Nativity graduates go on to attend college at a rate significantly higher than similar peers in our area.

How To Apply

The goal of Nativity’s Graduate Support Program is to help all graduates of Nativity successfully graduate from high school on time, continue their academic journey, and become empowered members of the community. To enroll, just fill out the form below, or contact:

James C. Smith

President

(585) 271-1630 [email protected]
James C. Smith

Graduate Information

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Graduate Support Program Events

  • Fall Festival
  • Holiday Party
  • College Visits
  • Saturday Breakfast Club (Academic Tutoring)
  • Volunteering at Nativity (Enrichment & Study Hall)
  • Nativity in Bloom
  • Career Nights
  • Summer Picnic

Timeline At A Glance

September - October

  • Students will tour Catholic high schools with Nativity, and study for the entrance exam
  • Families must attend Open Houses and schedule tours at non-Catholic high schools

November - December

  • Students will take the entrance exam at Our Lady of Mercy or McQuaid
  • Families will complete the application for the Catholic school of their choosing, as well as any other private schools they are interested in

January - February

  • Financial aid applications open January 1. Families should apply before February break for priority consideration
  • Students must begin applying to outside scholarships

March - April

  • Students applying to charter school lotteries must complete their application before April 1
  • Students taking school buses to high school must submit their transportation forms by April 1

Student Responsibilities

  • Focus on academics all year – many schools ask for all of your eighth grade report cards
  • Study for the high school placement test
  • Communicate with your family and Nativity about your applications and their status
  • Complete your applications in a timely manner

Parent & Caregiver Responsibilities

  • Directly assist students in completing their applications
  • Ensure students are at their placement test
  • Attend open houses and tours at all high schools you are interested in
  • Complete financial aid paperwork
  • Communicate with Nativity about your family’s needs and expectations, including tuition and school fees
  • Pay high school enrollment fees and purchase uniforms, books, and student supplies as needed

High School Practice Test

Wondering what type of questions are on a high school placement test?

Download this sample test

High School Placement Contact

James C. Smith

President

(585) 271-1630 [email protected]
James C. Smith