In the spring of seventh grade, our full-time High School Transition Counselor, Amanda Richard, meets individually with each student and their family to kick off the high school journey together. These meetings set expectations, establish a timeline, and ensure everyone feels informed and supported.
Eighth graders take a dedicated High School Transition class, where they explore options, stay organized, and gain confidence in the application process. Throughout the year, Amanda and the CDS team—who know each student so well—are there to guide families every step of the way. Whether it's discussing applications, gathering recommendations, or making final decisions, we work together to ensure that each student finds a high school that is the right fit for them.
At CDS, we are proud of how our high school process celebrates each student’s individuality. By eighth grade, CDS students know themselves deeply and are able to advocate for their needs and interests. Students take an active role in identifying schools, applying, and making choices, with a strong support system behind them.
When they move on, our graduates step into their next chapter as confident, self-aware, and eager learners. We are so proud of who they are becoming!
Amanda Richard
Full-Time High School Transition Counselor
Admission Officer at a San Francisco High School
This past fall, I've had the pleasure of meeting current CDS eighth-graders during their high school admission process. Time and time again, without prompting, these CDS students unabashedly expressed their genuine love for the school. It was a window into their CDS lives, and I was sincerely touched and impressed by their appreciation of all they have gained as CDS students.
Where Our Graduates Go
The independent and faith-based high schools offering places to the graduates of the Classes of 2022-2025 include:
Archbishop Riordan High School
The Bay School
Cate School
The College Preparatory School
Crystal Springs Upland School
Drew School
International High School
International School of Zug and Luzern
'Iolani School
Lick-Wilmerding High School
Marin Academy
Nativity High School
Northfield Mount Herman
Nueva High School
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory High School
Stuart Hall High School
Sugar Bowl Academy
University High School
The Urban School of San Francisco
The San Francisco Waldorf High School
Our students have also been accepted to various public schools, such as Balboa High School, Berkeley High School, Gateway High School, Lowell High School, Oceana High School, Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and Tamalpais High School.
CDS graduates from the Classes of 2018-2020 have gone on to attend the following colleges and universities:
Children's Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Learn More