Transfer Students

Calendar of Events

Date	Event
Mid June/July	Registration Fee Payment Deadline
June 3 - June 26	Summer School - Semester One
June 30 - July 24	Summer School - Semester Two
June - July	Sports PREP Activities
July - August	Marching Band Summer Rehearsals
Late July	Band Camp (Dates to be announced)
Aug. 7	Transfer Student Welcome Day
Aug. 8	Fall Sports Registration Deadline
Aug. 11	School Begins
Aug. 11	Fall Sports Begin
Aug. 12	Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening
Aug. 19	Transfer Student Breakfast

 

Transfer Student Programs

We understand that transitioning to a new school can be a significant experience. At Stevenson High School, we're committed to ensuring transfer students feel welcomed and supported from their first day. Whether arriving before or during the year, we ensure numerous opportunities to connect and fully experience what Stevenson has to offer.

Welcome Day

For students who enroll over the summer, a special Welcome Day is offered on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. Transfer students are paired with a Transfer Buddy to escort them around the school and learn their schedule. Students who enroll after the school year starts will also be assigned a Transfer Buddy to help with their transition to Stevenson.

Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening

Parents/guardians of transfer students are invited to Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Here, they will learn about Stevenson High School, from academics to co-curricular activities to available resources. If a student enrolls after this date, the family can contact the student's counselor with any questions. Information from the Transfer Parent/Guardian Night can be found at the link below.

DOWNLOAD: Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening 2025 Presentation Slides (PDF)

Transfer Student Breakfast

New transfer students are invited to a Transfer Student Breakfast on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, to enjoy food, meet other transfer students and their Student Support Team (counselor, social worker, dean, psychologist), and learn about upcoming transfer student events. They will also meet the sponsors of the Transfer Student Club (TSC).

Transfer Student Groups

Starting on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, Transfer Student Groups begin meeting during each lunch period. These weekly meetings are vital for transfer students to learn about Stevenson, school resources and opportunities for involvement.

Transfer Student Club

Transfer Student Club (TSC) is a free social group that organizes fun after-school events.

Invitation to Join PPA

Families new to Stevenson are also invited to join the Patriot Parent Association (PPA).

Enrollment

Stevenson High School is committed to providing clear and supportive guidance to all transfer families. For questions or to begin the enrollment process, please contact our Student Services department at 847-415-4077 or shs_enrollment@dl25.org. Our team will address your inquiries, initiate the eligibility review, and upon confirmation, provide a comprehensive enrollment package with ongoing support to ensure a successful transition.

Required Enrollment Documents

Parents/guardians will need to complete and upload the following required school enrollment documents. All completed documents must be in digital form to upload during the online enrollment process.

Student Information

• Student's birth certificate (including a certified English translation)
• Health/medication information, immunizations, doctor and hospital choice
• 504/IEP documentation (if applicable)
• Parenting agreement for students whose parents/guardians live in separate households

School Records

US Students

• Unofficial transcript (official transcript will be requested from prior school)
• ISBE (withdrawal) form, if transferring from an Illinois public school
• MAP (or other standardized test scores), if the student is a freshman

International Students

• Transcripts, all certificates and examination scores (including a certified English translation)
• Withdrawal letter/transfer certificate that includes:
  • Last date of attendance
  • Last grade attended
• Contact information for prior school (email, fax, phone, mailing address, website)

Residency Verification Documents

One of the following:

• Current and valid lease agreement (including name and phone number of landlord)
• Real estate tax bill
• Monthly mortgage statement (If the home was recently purchased, Stevenson will accept a closing document, bill of sale or warranty deed)

Two of the following:

• Utility bill (Must include the entire first page of the bill, including the coupon portion. Utilities accepted include gas, electric, water, trash collection or cable
• Vehicle registration (current year)

Transfer Student Records Review

The records of transfer students will be evaluated individually to determine the credits which may be applied toward Stevenson graduation requirements. Coursework completed by students prior to their enrollment at Stevenson will not be included in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Any coursework completed by students through international schools prior to their enrollment at Stevenson will be given a grade of pass (P) or fail (F). The division director will make the final determination in the evaluation of the records of the transfer student.

Health Requirements

The Stevenson Health Services team works closely with faculty, staff, parents/guardians and students to create an environment that promotes health and safety. All required health forms must be returned to the Health Office before a student begins classes at Stevenson High School. Forms are available to download at the Health Services - Nurses web page.

Required Health Forms

• State of Illinois Mandatory Health Requirements for Students
  • Required Immunizations by the State of Illinois
• Transfer from an Illinois School
  • Child Health Examination Form with complete immunization record
• Out-of-State/Country Transfer Students
  • Certificate of Child Health Examination Form with complete immunization record based on the State of Illinois requirements.
    • The student has 30 days to submit the above form.
    • If unable to provide proof of the above form upon enrollment, the student may only attend school if proof of an appointment is submitted to the Health Services Office.
  • Eye Examination Form dated on or after Aug. 11, 2024
• Freshmen Students
  • Certificate of Child Health Examination Form dated on or after Aug. 11, 2024 with complete immunization record
  • Dental Examination Form completed between Nov. 15, 2024 and May 15, 2026
    • *Important Note: The IHSA sports physical cannot be accepted for Freshmen or transfer student physicals
• Senior Students
  • Meningitis (MCV4) Immunization administered on or after the student's 16th birthday
• Emergency Action Plans
  • Emergency Action Plans are required annually if your child has any of the following health conditions:
    • Asthma
    • Diabetes
    • Seizures
    • Food Allergies & Anaphylaxis
• Submitting Health Forms
  • via E-mail: health_forms@d125.org
  • via Fax: 847-955-2445
  • via Phone: 847-415-4022

Course Placement & Enrollment

Stevenson uses a placement process to make an initial recommendation in English, Mathematics, Science and Multilingual Learning courses for new transfer students. Stevenson's divisions may use a slightly different evidence-based process to arrive at their placement recommendations than other schools, so please review the following information for division-specific benchmark details.

Course Placement

Communication Arts

The Communication Arts division uses the fall or winter MAP reading score to make a recommendation for placement. Students who are able to provide a standardized reading and/or English test score (from the MAP, AIMS, or Iowa tests, for example) do not need additional assessment. Contact Kim Musolf at kmusolf@d125.org o submit these scores.

For students who cannot provide a standardized reading and/or English test score, recommendations/placement in Freshman English and literacy courses is determined by a reading assessment of the student's ability to comprehend and analyze text. Students should expect to read texts, answer questions in an argumentative paragraph, and answer online multiple-choice questions. This test is also open to students who wish to reassess and change their initial Academic
Literacy placement.

In order to arrange for this Stevenson testing, please contact Denise Perkins at dperkins@d125.org or 847-415-4325.

Stevenson uses a placement process to make an initial recommendation in Communication Arts, Mathematics, Science and Multilingual Learning courses for new transfer students. Stevenson’s divisions may use a slightly different evidence-based process to arrive at their placement recommendations than other schools, so please review the following information for division-specific benchmark details.

Science

For students transferring into Stevenson from outside Consortium 125 schools, the Science course will be determined based on a transcript from the previous school.

There is no benchmark/placement exam for science.

Mathematics

For students transferring into Stevenson from outside Consortium 125 schools, the Mathematics course placement will be determined based on a complete transcript from the previous school and curriculum review of the student's previous course. A full topic-by-topic syllabus of the previous course is requested.

Contact Valerie Tomkiel at vtomkiel@d125.org or 847-415-4581 for details about the transcript/curriculum review.

A benchmark/placement exam will only be administered when additional data about a student's mathematical proficiency is needed. Please be aware that, while options are available for adjustment in Mathematics course placements, all prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to enrolling in subsequent courses.

Multilingual Learning

Placement in Multilingual Learning courses is determined by student performance on a language-specific assessment. Students who have prior coursework or experience in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish or Latin, and are interested in potential placement in one of these language programs beyond the introductory level, may sign up for the corresponding language benchmark exam.

• Chinese, French, German & Spanish: Students will complete the listening, reading and writing portions of the AAPPL exam.
• Hebrew: Students will complete the listening, reading and writing portions of the STAMP exam.
• Latin: Email multilingual_learning@d125.org to discuss assessment.

Email benchmark@d125.org or 847-415-4700 with any questions regarding benchmark testing for Multilingual Learning.

Enrollment Appointment

Transfer students will be placed into core courses based on the student's previous academic history. Students may be asked to complete a Mathematics assessment and/or Multilingual Learning assessment (if applicable) in order to verify placement. After placement into core courses, students transferring into grades 10, 11, and 12 will typically have one or two open periods in which they may take an elective course.

To assist with the course enrollment process, transfer students will have an enrollment appointment with a counselor to help select these courses. Students can view the Stevenson Coursebook online to review their interests prior to the enrollment meeting. To access these materials, please visit www.dl25.org/transfer-students.

If there are questions about the placement results, please contact the director of the specific academic division.

Registration Instructions

After residency has been verified and enrollment is complete, families will receive instructions to complete the registration and fee payment process. Information will also be provided regarding student IDs, iPads, books and transportation/bussing.

Student Support Teams

Every student at Stevenson High School is assigned to a Student Support Team (SST). Each SST consists of a counselor, dean, social worker and school psychologist. The purpose of the team is to monitor student progress and connect students with resources, programs and opportunities to realize their goals. Teams meet on a weekly basis to coordinate efforts to support all students.

Technology

Receiving Your iPad

All newly transferred students receive an iPad, which they keep until they earn a diploma from Stevenson. Students should expect to use these to access e-textbooks, class assignments, and communicate with their teachers.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The District requires the school-issued iPad to be in a case. The school-issued case does not have a keyboard. You may choose to purchase your own case. Please check the model of the iPad before you purchase.
• The iPad is signed in to a Managed Apple ID. This provides 200 GB of iCloud storage.
• The iPad will not have access to the App Store, iMessage or FaceTime. All academic apps can be found in Self-Service.
• The notetaking and annotation app used at SHS is Notability and is already installed on the iPad.
• Earbuds, headphones, Apple Pencils, Styluses, and keyboards are all accessories that the District does not supply. If you choose to purchase your own, please check the model of the iPad before you purchase.
• Zoom is the available app for video chat with classmates. It is already installed on the iPad with your Stevenson Zoom account set up.
• Stevenson High School students utilize Google Workspace for Education and have a 50 GB storage limit for Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos with their "@students.d125.org" account.

Student Access to Technology

Stevenson students are given access to several different technology programs. Every student is provided with a network account, an email account, a Canvas account, an IRC account, and an Infinite Campus account. Login information (account names and passwords) should be kept private at all times. Additionally, all students will have the Student Guidebook downloaded onto their iPads.

The use of a Stevenson High School computer is intended to serve instructional purposes only -- playing games is not permitted. In exchange for the privilege of using the District's computers, computer network and internet access, students must consent to staff members monitoring such use.

In order to use the internet, a Stevenson student must have a signed Acceptable Use Guideline form (regarding access and use of the District Information Services systems) on file. For the school year, students will agree to acceptable use during the registration process. Inappropriate use of the District's computers, computer network and/or internet access may be considered gross disobedience or misconduct.

To view more detailed information about our technology services, including answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Tech Services web page.

Need Help?

Students with questions or needing assistance with a school-issued iPad should visit the technicians at the SMARTdesk.

The SMARTdesk is located in the Link Lab building. During summer school, the SMARTdesk is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special hours will be posted. During the school year, it is open on school days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on late arrival days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special hours will be posted.

During the school year, computers are available for student use in the Information Learning Center (ILC) in the West Building (Room 2300/1300) or in the East Learning Center (Room 7026). Students may use the desktop computers during study hall by asking a classroom teacher for a pass to one of the Learning Centers from study hall.

Patriot Athletics

Fall Stevenson athletes must complete registration for the 2025 season by Aug. 8, 2025. Registration for winter and spring athletes is due five days prior to the tryout date.

The registration procedure requires the online Athletic Participation form to be filled out after a student's school registration, which must be done by mid-June/July. (Please allow a 24-hour processing period between school registration and athletic online registration).

Required Forms for Athletes

• The Athletic Participation Form registers the athlete for fall, winter and spring sports for the 2025-26 school year and is available on the Stevenson Athletics' web page.
• The Child Health Examination Form is a doctor's confirmation that the athlete is physically able to participate in athletics. The athletic physical cannot be more than 395 days old during the time of athletic participation according to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). 

It is imperative that the student's physician circle "Yes" on the Child Health Examination form so the student is medically cleared to participate in interscholastic sports. Unregistered athletes will not be allowed to try out, begin practices, or participate until all forms are completed, signed, and on file in the Athletic Office. Al athletes must be covered by some form of insurance in order to participate.

Fine Arts

The Stevenson High School Fine Arts Division provides much more than a classroom experience for our students and is comprised of the Dance, Music, Odyssey, Theatre and Visual Arts departments. Each department offers studio, non-performing and performing settings and maintains a well-balanced education that focuses equally on the process of learning as well as the product of our efforts.

We believe that the study of fine art is important to everyone at both the individual and societal levels. Students in the Fine Arts experience the actual application of knowledge and skills on a daily basis with culminating work often approaching or achieving professional levels.

As such, Stevenson Fine Arts students develop amazing work ethic, along with a high level of proficiency and sophistication of work. Such quality of work often results in scholarships and prestigious awards. Stevenson offers a rigorous fine arts curriculum that rivals many university programs in its scope. It challenges students to think creatively, encourages risk taking and enables students to apply their problem-solving skills beyond the classroom.

Events & Opportunities

Spring 2025

• General Dance Company Auditions
• Summer/Fall Color Guard

Summer 2025

• Color Guard
• Marching Band

Fall 2025

• Fall Play Auditions
• Marching Band and Color Guard
• Dance Class and Transfer Student Placement Assessments
• Dance Company Auditions: Repertory and Mélange
• Fall Play
• Musical and Auditions
• Pit Orchestra and Auditions
• Baroque Ensemble and Auditions
• Jazz Ensembles (Instrumental)
• Vocal Group Auditions: Polyphonics, Low Frequency, and Nothing but Tremble
• Improv Comedy Team: The Failed Presidential Candidates and Auditions
• Children's Play Auditions
• One Acts Script Selection
• Winter Play & Frosh/Soph Play Auditions
• Winter Guard and Auditions

Winter 2025-26

• Dance Companies Auditions (Repertory and Mélange)
• Winter Play & Frosh/Soph Play
• Spring One Acts & Leadership Role Auditions

SPRING 2026

• General Dance Company Auditions
• Summer/Fall Color Guard Fall Play Auditions
• Music and Dance Class Placement Assessments

Co-Curricular Activities

Co-Curricular activities are extremely popular at Stevenson. Ninety-three percent of the student body participate in at least one club, sport or activity by the time they graduate. Last year, more than 3,000 students performed almost 83,000 hours of volunteer work in school and community service clubs. Over half of the student body is involved in our vast intramural program. The theatre, dance, choral, orchestra and band programs boasted nearly 1,200 participants. More than 650 students participated in the student government last year.

There are more than 140 clubs and activities that students can participate in. Information about all of these activities can be found at the Student Activities web page. Each student will receive a Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities brochure that provides a comprehensive look at Stevenson's extracurricular offerings. Club and sports announcements are shared in The Daily Digest that students receive each school day.

For questions regarding Stevenson's co-curricular activities, contact Student Activities at 847-415-4462.

District Resources

Student Guidebook

All students will have the Student Guidebook downloaded onto their school-issued iPads. This guidebook will support the transition to high school by familiarizing students with school procedures and providing an opportunity to establish goals, manage time, enter assignments, establish priorities and record personal and social information. Students may also purchase a paper version in the Patriot School Store.

Newsletters

The Daily Digest is a daily newsletter published on school days for students and families about student life on campus. During the regular school year, it features a mixture of stories about students, club announcements, school events and varsity sports results. During the summer months only, the Daily Digest is sent weekly and resumes as a daily publication at the start of the school year.

The Minuteman is a monthly newsletter published during the school year (not published during the summer months) for parents and guardians. It includes important updates and announcements from our Board of Education, as well as timely practical insights related to diversity, equity and inclusion; social emotional learning; and other ways for families to support their students' learning.

All current students and families are automatically subscribed to the Daily Digest and Minuteman newsletters.

Social Media

Let's get social! Connect with us on social media, where you can find our official Stevenson accounts as well as a wide variety of accounts managed by our clubs, sports and classroom teachers. For more information, please visit the District Communications web page.

International Exchange Students

International exchange students who wish to attend Stevenson High School must:

1. Contact a study abroad organization accredited by the Council on Standards for International Education Travel (CSEIT).
2. Submit an application to Stevenson via the organization no later than May 15 for the following school year. 
3. Submit a transcript translated to English and ELTiS scores in the 4 or 5 range, along with the application.
4. Attend Stevenson High School for the entire academic school year.
5. Reside with a family within the boundaries of Stevenson District 125 that has a student attending SHS concurrently.

Stevenson will work directly with the study abroad organization to plan the foreign exchange experience. Stevenson is able to accept up to four exchange students for each school year.