Secondary School Advising

One of Pike’s core values is Intellectual Ambition, and our students leave Pike well equipped to continue their academic journeys and grow as creative thinkers and agents of social good. Our graduates matriculate to a variety of independent, parochial and public schools where they thrive in their classrooms and communities, often emerging as leaders.

As secondary school advisors, we seek to help our 8th and 9th graders find the right fit in terms of rigor, size, values and opportunities as they continue their academic journeys and build upon the foundation formed at Pike. Our expectation is that Pike Graduates will be positioned for possibility and will be prepared to lead  with impact in a world that is increasingly complex.  

Meet our Secondary School Team

Headshot of Jo Buttress
Jo Buttress

Director of Secondary School Advising

Jo first arrived at Pike in 1994 and has served a variety of roles in that time, teaching both history and math, serving as sixth and then eighth grade team leader, and coaching multiple sports.

Read More about Jo Buttress
Headshot of Julie Ogden.
Julie Ogden

Secondary School Advisor

Julie has spent the majority of her career in independent schools from Maine to Maryland, both as a teacher/advisor/coach and as a spouse at the schools where her husband has taught and they have lived, most recently for over 23 years at The Governor's Academy.

Read More about Julie Ogden

“At every point in the Secondary School Advisory experience, we were struck by how deeply our advisor knew our child and respected our family priorities. By knowing our child, they were able to leverage their understanding of the academic landscape to successfully guide us to finding a good fit for this next part of our educational journey." 

Chad S., Class of 2023 Parent

"Brooks School has had a terrific relationship with Pike for decades. We have enrolled well-rounded students who are prepared to face an academically rigorous curriculum, who jump into extracurricular activities, and who are exemplary citizens. We have also enjoyed working with Pike's Secondary School Advising Team who partner with us in our joint goal of finding the right match school for each student."

Bini Egertson- Director of Admission, Brooks School

“Ms. Ogden advised both our children who had very different needs, goals and personalities. Her advice was very valuable in narrowing down the list of schools to apply to and even decide on which school would be a better fit for our children. Our one piece of advice to families, listen to Ms. Ogden and Ms. Buttress! 

Madhu C., Class of 2021 and 2023

Secondary School Process Overview

Grades 5 and 6 – Learn

  • Informal meet and greet coffees to demystify specific facets of the secondary school process, such as how applying for financial aid impacts the process
  • Introduction of opportunities to help our younger Upper School students explore their passions, round out their interests and maximize their strengths as potential future secondary school applicants

Grade 7 — Explore

  • Evening panel presentation and info session for seventh grade families and students with school representatives from various schools; here is a chance to explore differences amongst schools such as boarding vs day schools, small vs large, single sex vs co-ed
  • Initial meetings with parents and guardians begin to discuss the process and construct an initial list for those applying out to independent or parochial schools

Grade 8 — Embody

  • Students examine their own strengths, needs and abilities as they identify a list of schools that will enable them to fully embody the Portrait of a Pike Graduate
  •  Fall visits from a myriad of school admissions representatives help to facilitate this process as students looks for schools that are a good fit.
  • In early October, the secondary school office and two admissions colleagues from New England schools facilitate a fall workshop for 8th and 9th grade students to focus on their interviewing and application essay writing skills 
  •  Monthly updates and support for families continues throughout the fall, as students focus on highlighting their unique strengths through interviews and essays, completing applications by the  December/January deadlines.

For current families looking for a more extensive timeline, please log in to our current families section below. To get the passkey, please reach out to one of our Secondary School Team members.

Secondary School Destinations for the Classes of 2020-2024

Independent Boarding/Day Schools
Phillips Academy — Andover (97)
Brooks School (31)
The Governor’s Academy (28)
Lawrence Academy (24)
Pingree School (16)
Boston University Academy (12)
The Derryfield School (12)
Middlesex School (9)
Phillips Exeter Academy (6)
Concord Academy (4)
Groton School (4)
Kimball Union Academy (3)
The Academy at Penguin Hall (3)
Choate Rosemary Hall (2)
Westminster School (2)
Miss Porters School (2)
St. Paul’s School (2)
Commonwealth School (2)
Tabor Academy (2)
The Winsor School 
Northfield Mount Hermon 
Holderness School 
Deerfield Academy
St Mark’s School
Noble and Greenough School
Belmont Hill School
New England Innovation Academy
Williston Northampton School
Cambridge School of Weston
Portsmouth Abbey School
Cushing Academy
Landmark School
Thayer Academy
Rectory School
Waring School
Durham Academy (NC)
Westtown School (PA)
Windermere Preparatory School (FL)
Brentwood School (UK)
 

Parochial/Public Schools
Andover High School or other public school (35)
St. John’s Preparatory School (18)
Austin Preparatory School (5)
Central Catholic High School (7)
Abbot Academy at Lawrence HS
Greater Lawrence Technical School
 

Meet our Alumni

Learn More

Secondary School Upcoming Events