Maranatha High School Department Spotlight: Admissions



With over 15 private high schools in the San Gabriel Valley, we know the high school selection process can be grueling. Our Dean of Admissions, John Rouse, considers it a privilege to walk with families as they make this important decision. He says, “As we begin the task of selecting the incoming class, it is our prayer that God would guide this process of partnering with families desiring to have their student experience a college preparatory and intentionally Christ-centered high school. It is thrilling to share how our school changes and challenges young lives. Our goal is to seek out those students and families who desire to take full advantage of the opportunities here at Maranatha.”

Admissions is about effectively introducing all that Maranatha has to offer to several hundred interested families each year. The Admissions Department, made up of Mr. John Rouse and his comitted assistant, Mrs. Debbie Middlebrook, partner with an extensive team to accomplish this goal. According to Mr. Rouse, “Our current families and students are the best promoters and sales persons as they share with friends and families their daily experience here at MHS.” The Admissions Department also relies on the Ambassador Club, consisting of approximately 100 amazing students, to help run events and connect with prospective students. Shown here are Helio Higley, Sarah Dixit, and Jorge Castello at a high school fair with Mr. Rouse.

The Admissions Department organizes a number of opportunities each year for families to get to know our Maranatha school and community. On campus events include 8th Grade Visitation Day, Open House, two “Closer Look” events, two “Middle School Recognition Nights”, and THE Event. Off campus events include approximately six high school fairs and eight middle school lunches. The Department also conducts events to welcome new families such as Mystery Night for Early Admissions acceptances, Fresh Start Day, the Incoming Mothers’ Luncheon, and the Dads’ Dinner. In addition to all these events, Campus Tours are offered every Thursday morning and Shadow Days are available upon request.

Although the “Admissions season” is a year-round effort, the bulk of the connections with prospective families are made between September and March. The Admissions process at Maranatha consists of an online application, recommendations, the ISEE test, and the interview. For the convenience of our families, Maranatha transitioned to a fully online application process last year. Accessible through our website, recommendation forms can also be conveniently emailed, faxed, or mailed. In an effort to make the process as smooth as possible, the Admissions Department is proud to host the ISEE placement test right here at Maranatha. Although students are not required to take the test here, it does give them one more opportunity to experience the atmosphere at Maranatha.

And finally, our interview is seen as the pinnacle of the Admissions process. The interview is typically the most dreaded part of any admissions process, however, one thing we hear over and over from incoming Maranatha families is how much they enjoyed the admissions interview at MHS. Mr. Rouse truly has a gift of exhortation and students and families alike often come out of the interview feeling encouraged. “The greatest blessing of being Dean of Admissions,” shares Mr. Rouse, “is the opportunity to encourage young persons in who they are and remind them of the many talents and blessings that God has given them. I love being able to encourage 8th graders that God is in control and has equipped them uniquely for His purposes, and reassure them to be confident to be the person that God is calling them to be.”

Aside from the admissions process and all the events, the Admissions team also works with the Marketing Office on the school’s promotional materials such as the View Book, the School Profile, give aways, displays, and promotional videos. The department also takes the lead on re-enrollment of all current families and the general administration of the Tuition Assistance procedure. Finally, the Admissions Department oversees our International Student Director to manage the entire international admissions process and administer I-20s.

“This year, as in the past two years, we are blessed with increasing interest in Maranatha,” says Mr. Rouse. “While many private schools are struggling with enrollment, we are pleased that so many are taking advantage of the Maranatha difference and want to be part of the work God is doing here.”

“Let us know if we need to contact someone you have shared your Maranatha story with and encourage them to part of the next chapter,” urges Mr. Rouse. Maranatha’s website and Facebook page are great ways to get new families connected and informed.

For more information, visit www.maranatha-hs.org.

 

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