The high school admissions process at Maryland private schools is extremely competitive, but at St. Stephen School in Kingsville, the students seem to have a distinct advantage. In fact, fully 100% percent of the graduates at St. Stephen were accepted at their first-choice high school, earning a combined $850,000 in scholarships along the way. Why were these students so well prepared? It’s due in part to an innovative program that gives students training in how to master the interview.
“Our program is designed to prepare students for the next step in their education,” says Dr. Marianne Kozlowski, the principal at St. Stephen School and the creator of the interview training program. “Interview training contributes to that mission by helping students gain real-world experience and confidence before their high school admissions process.”
Immediate Impact
For most eighth graders, a high school admissions interview will be the first of many important interviews in their life. It can be an unfamiliar and stressful experience for young students. St. Stephen School prepares its students for this rigorous process with mock high school interviews, designed to help students gain real-world experience and confidence before their high school admissions process.
For the past two years, the eighth-grade class has participated in structured interviews with members of the school board, parish, and broader community, including interviews with people the students have never met, to simulate the high school admissions setting. Students answer questions about their learning styles, goals, and aspirations, while also practicing essential social skills, such as eye contact, a firm handshake, and professional posture.
In addition, students work on essay writing prompts, which are similar to those required by many high schools during admissions.
A Valuable Long-Term Skill
Developing a comfort level with the interview process is a skill that will be used beyond the high school admissions process. Middle school is a time for students to develop leadership and communications skills. The ability to enter a room and communicate effectively in a one-on-one or panel setting is a crucial skill for tomorrow’s leaders.
“It was our hope to give the students confidence in themselves—that they can do hard things and come out on the other side feeling good about their interactions,” says Dr. Kozlowski. “In the long term, being able to speak with unknown individuals is a life skill. Our students will encounter these situations in the future, and practice is the key to success.”
About St. Stephen Middle School
For families looking for a strong academic foundation, leadership opportunities, and a faith-based education for their children, the Middle School Program at St. Stephen School in Kingsville, Maryland, provides a well-rounded experience that prepares students for high school and beyond.
Middle school is a time for students to develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. At St. Stephen, students take on meaningful leadership roles through the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Morning Safeties, and our Prayer Partners program, where they mentor younger students. We also emphasize service, encouraging students to give back through volunteer work, donation drives, and school initiatives that foster compassion and community engagement.
Our rigorous curriculum challenges students to think critically and solve problems, while hands-on experiences in our Living Science Classroom bring learning to life.
Outside the classroom, students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities. Chess Club sharpens strategy and logic skills, Musical Theater provides a creative outlet, and our 3D Printing Club introduces students to cutting-edge technology. Our athletics program includes competitive teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cross country, promoting teamwork and healthy competition. We also offer a Concert Band program for students interested in developing their musical talents.
At St. Stephen School, we combine academic excellence with character development in a supportive, faith-filled environment. Your child won’t just learn; they’ll grow into a confident, compassionate leader ready to take on the world.
At St. Stephen, we don’t just prepare students for high school—we prepare them for life.
Take the Next Step. Inquire or Apply Today at ssschool.org.
