Senior Year: 4th Grade

The Admission and Placement Office hosts a meeting each spring for parents of rising Seniors during the third grade year. This group meeting helps families begin looking ahead to the excitement of Senior Year at Lamplighter while introducing how the School guides students and families through the middle school application process.

In addition, the Director of Enrollment Management meets individually with each family to discuss application plans. Initial meetings take place in late spring or early summer before the fourth grade year, followed by additional meetings in the fall at the start of Senior Year.

Interviews and school visits are typically one part of the middle school application process. To support Lamplighter Seniors, the Director of Enrollment Management teaches a series of lessons to each fourth grade Advisory class. Lessons focus on what to expect on a school visit, interview tips, and making the most of the Senior Year. Later in the fall, the School hosts an interview skills workshop for all Lamplighter Seniors, focusing on the fundamentals of interviewing and encouraging thoughtful reflection. 

To further support preparation, the School also organizes a day of mock interviews in which students meet with administrators and staff members to practice talking about themselves and sharing their strengths and interests. Students receive both individual and group feedback, helping them build confidence and strengthen their interview skills as they move through the middle school application process.

During the fall, the Head of School meets with small groups of fourth-grade students to learn about their hopes and aspirations for Senior Year at Lamplighter. These informal gatherings give students an opportunity to practice conversational and communication skills while engaging with a school leader.

Held in the Head of School’s office, the lunches offer a special and memorable experience as students look ahead to their final year at Lamplighter.

The School hosts panel discussions featuring parents who have previously navigated the middle school application process, often with more than one child. During these sessions, parents of alumni share their experiences and perspectives, offering guidance and practical advice to current families as they begin the process.

Lamplighter partners with other independent schools in the Dallas area to host information sessions exclusively for Lamplighter families. These sessions provide an overview of each school in a smaller, more personal setting and give families the opportunity to ask questions about programs and school communities. Many of these sessions are held on the Lamplighter campus, offering added convenience for families of Lamplighter Seniors.