Ready for What’s Next: Secondary School Panel & Fair

For Far Hills Country Day School students, preparing for secondary school is about more than deciding where to go next. It is an opportunity to learn about the many paths available, discover what different schools have to offer, and begin thinking about the environment in which they can continue to grow.

On Thursday, October 1, Far Hills welcomed students and families to its annual Secondary School Panel and Fair, bringing representatives from more than 60 day and boarding schools to campus.

Learning About the Secondary School Experience

The afternoon began with a panel for Grade 7 and Grade 8 students and their parents. Representatives shared perspectives on the transition to secondary school and helped families better understand the different opportunities and experiences students may encounter as they consider their next steps.

The conversation provided students and families with helpful context before the Fair, encouraging them to consider what they value in a school community and the questions they might want to ask as they explored their options.

More Than 60 Schools, One Campus

Following the panel, families moved into the Secondary School Fair, where they had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from more than 60 day and boarding schools.

Students and parents asked questions and learned about academics, athletics, arts, extracurricular activities, campus communities, and other aspects of the secondary school experience. With so many schools represented in one place, families could explore a wide range of possibilities while beginning to identify the qualities that mattered most to them.

For Grade 7 families, the Fair offered an early opportunity to become familiar with the secondary school landscape and discover schools they may want to explore further. Grade 8 students, meanwhile, could continue conversations, learn more about schools they were considering, and gather information to help shape their next steps.

The Secondary School Placement Program

The Panel and Fair are part of Far Hills’ broader Secondary School Placement Program, a personalized process designed to help students and families thoughtfully explore the possibilities ahead.

“Our goal is to help students find the school where they can continue to grow, challenge themselves, and be successful as individuals,” shared Dan Kramer, Director of Secondary School Placement. “That starts with really knowing each student—their strengths, interests, goals, and what they are looking for in their next school community. Throughout the process, we want students to feel informed and confident while also taking ownership of this important next step.”

With more than 60 schools gathered on campus, the event gave students an opportunity to look beyond simply where they might go next and begin considering the experiences, opportunities, and communities they hope will shape the next chapter of their education.

Click here to view the photo gallery from the Secondary School Fair!