8th Grade is an exciting time for students at SLES. As they prepare for High School and beyond, they take on new responsibilities on campus and in Chapel.
Please use this page as a guide for navigating your 8th grader's year at SLES, to learn about key dates during their semester, and for learning more about how we approach the high school application process.
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Daily Chapel - Readers/Pledge, Chapel Buddies
Each morning, the chapel service will be led by Chaplain Kates and the 8th grade students. Students are expected to arrive to Chapel early if they are assigned to lead the community in saying the Pledge of Allegiance, the St. Luke’s Way, the prayers, and other chapel functions. If a student will be absent on a day when they are scheduled to lead chapel, it is expected (as student leaders of the school) that they notify Chaplain Kates and attempt to find a replacement. In addition, your 8th grader’s year will be their final year with a chapel Buddy! Eighth graders will sit with their Chapel Buddy every day in Chapel. Therefore, your student should serve as a role model for how to behave and engage during Chapel for all SLES students. We expect 8th graders to enjoy these closing memories, and they are also responsible for leading by example.
SLES Classes that offer HS credit
St. Luke’s is proud to offer select 8th grade courses for high school credit. Upon successfully completing 8th grade Algebra, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Latin, and Spanish, your student may receive high school credit. This is dependent on the high school they choose to enroll in and their requirements. Credits are displayed as below on your student’s official St. Luke’s transcript.
*Spanish I-B and Latin I-B are continuations of 7th grade Spanish I-A and Latin I-A. Students receive 0.5 credit for I-A courses, and 0.5 credit for I-B courses. If students successfully complete both I-A and I-B courses for a foreign language, they will then earn 1 credit by graduation.
Applying for High School
Application Preparation & Process
Our teachers are well aware of the challenges you and your student might face while searching, applying, and preparing for various high schools and their entrance exams. Our Guidance Counselor will serve as your main point of contact as your work through the high school admissions process. They will work directly with students, parents, and faculty advisors to provide support and guidance throughout this important process.
Most high schools require or highly encourage 8th graders to apply for admission in the fall of their 8th grade year, usually beginning in late September or early October. You will want to start your search and application process early to help ensure you are admitted to the high school of your choice.
Campus Visits
As part of the 8th grade experience, St. Luke’s will schedule an 8th grade group visit to select local high schools to allow students to experience firsthand the culture and community of possible high school options. When on-campus group visits are not possible, representatives from local high schools will be invited to St. Luke’s campus to visit with our 8th graders as a group. In addition to these scheduled visits, we highly recommend you schedule time as a family to tour various campuses on your own in order to make an informed high school decision.
Most independent high schools also encourage or require that students participate in a Shadow Day Visit as part of the admissions process. Please notify Linda Barron, Receptionist & Registrar, at lbarron@sles-sa.org when your child plans to miss school for a shadow day. Students should request an excuse note for their visit from the high school to submit upon their return. Visits and tours can be scheduled by contacting each school’s admissions office.
Schools Our 8th Graders Typically Visit With:
Antonian High School
Central Catholic High School (boys only)
The Christian School at Castle Hills
Holy Cross High School
Incarnate Word High School (girls only)
Keystone School
Providence Catholic School (girls only)
Saint Mary’s Hall
San Antonio Christian School
St. Anthony’s Catholic School
TMI Episcopal
For more information on application and scholarship information, please click here.