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Why Start in 8th Grade?
If you're starting college prep in 8th grade, the biggest benefit is simple: you have a longer runway to build up to more important projects.
Common Questions
We often hear these types of questions from parents of 8th graders:
- Why should we start in 8th grade?
- What will my child be doing?
- Should we go public or private (how to pick the best school)
- What if my kid doesn’t know their interest?
- If my kid is advanced in [X subject] how can you help?
What Our Students Are Doing in 8th Grade
Here is what to expect as a parent when you enroll your child in the 8th grade:
- Talent, Interests & Self-Discovery: Identify natural aptitudes and emerging passions through talent and interest assessments. Clarify areas of interest and begin reading to support them.
- Skill Building & Academic Habits: Learn organization, time management, and study skills before the big shift to 9th grade, when everything on your transcript begins counting toward college applications.
- Community Impact & Project Work: Begin identifying the communities you are a part of and want to invest in. Learn how to spot real problems in those communities, and develop an action plan to begin solving one of them.
- Independent Study & Personal Projects: Read books, take courses, and complete independent studies in your areas of interest. Build projects that demonstrate academic or personal strengths, and begin researching awards and competitions.
- Course Selection & Summer Planning: Explore the best high school academic tracks for you, research and apply to the best summer opportunities. Advanced students can even complete their first college courses.
- Networking & Mentorship Development: Learn communication and networking skills, interview potential mentors and advisors, begin working with a mentor on projects, and leverage your network through shadowing and related experiences.
- Family Check-Ins & Support: Participate in parent check-ins at key points throughout the year to ensure strong progress, alignment, and support. Students should also practice being a contributing member of the family through regular chores, responsibility, and helping at home.
Deliverables and Results
By the end of the Grade 8. We should have the following:
- Clear Interests & Direction
- Stronger Academic Independence
- Community Impact Action Plan
- Independent Study & Skill-Based Projects
- High School & Summer Pathway Set
- Mentorship, Networking & Family Responsibility
Our Coaching Approach
We follow a structured format to ensure kids get the highest value possible in school and out of school
- Biweekly sessions with the student
- Quarterly parent reviews (additional check-ins as needed)
- Update emails tracking progress and action items after every session
- We play the role of consultant, coach, and teacher as needed
Long-Term Roadmap
See our roadmap for your child's learning
Who Is This For
This package is best for;
- Families seeking an early start to structured development
- Students entering competitive or private high schools.
- Students who do not yet have a clear direction or set of interests
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a Consultation Call
Ready to take the next step, book a consultation call with our team
Fall Semester
Academics / In-School
Identify 2–3 academic and personal interests
Get support in weak subjects with tutoring
Join school clubs, groups, or activities
Plan 9th-grade courses (if available)
Begin exploring high school credit options
Community Impact
Explore community organizations and causes
Begin light volunteer involvement
Support early interests with community-related activities
Building Stacks of Evidence
Begin an 8th-grade capstone or mini personal project
Take a strengths/interests assessment
Explore competitions or challenges suitable for middle school
Start documenting activities and interests
Networking
Identify and meet with your early Board of Advisors
Start building a light mentor list (teachers, coaches, older students)
Learn basic outreach and communication skills
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
Winter Break (Dec 15 – Jan 15)
Academics / In-School
Mid-year academic reflection and planning
Targeted tutoring for subjects needing improvement
Community Impact
Short winter-break volunteer activity
Support ongoing service interests
Building Stacks of Evidence
Continue capstone or personal project
Optional structured independent study (light)
Read 1 interest-aligned book
Networking
Winter check-in with advisory board or mentors
Practice outreach messages and gratitude emails
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
Spring Semester
Academics / In-School
Continue interest identification and skill building
Maintain and strengthen grades with tutoring
Select 9th-grade courses intentionally
Community Impact
Join or expand engagement in a community group
Begin thinking about a small impact project leading into summer
Building Stacks of Evidence
Continue 8th-grade capstone and finalize by late spring
Begin participating in programs that deepen an interest
Read 1–2 books in your interest areas
Networking
Meet with the Board of Advisors to plan for high school
Learn how to ask questions and conduct simple informational conversations
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
Summer Semester
Academics / In-School (Summer Learning)
Participate in an academic summer program
Take enriching courses or camps tied to interests
Community Impact
Volunteer more consistently
Explore impact areas you may want to continue into 9th grade
Building Stacks of Evidence
Complete a personal summer project
Possibly complete an interest assessment or new certification
Participate in a structured summer program that builds skills
Begin a portfolio (writing, photos, reflections)
Networking
Thank and reconnect with mentors/advisors
Meet new mentors through summer programs
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
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