Getting ready for what’s next
At Sand Hill School, we believe every student moving on to their next learning environment deserves a well-supported transition. That’s why our dedicated Transitions Counselor partners closely with students and families to create a thoughtful, personalized plan for the journey beyond Sand Hill.
The role of the Transitions Counselor in your child’s journey
Sand Hill’s Transitions Counselor provides personalized, one-on-one guidance to prepare students and their families for their next educational placement. This includes ongoing consultation and expert advice on next steps, including the IEP process and/or private school admissions.
Here are some of the transition offerings we provide to support students and families:
- A High School Fair where students and families can engage with both public and private schools with resources to support students with learning differences
- An alumni panel for current students to engage in conversation regarding the high school experience and what to expect
- Ongoing, personalized support for both the student and their family through consultative meetings
- For students in 8th grade, our Transitions Counselor teaches a unique Executive Functioning course tailored to meet the needs of rising 9th graders. Skills taught in this class include navigating the high school application process, developing good study and time management habits, understanding appropriate accommodations in the high school landscape and identifying the appropriate learning resource personnel on a high school staff
Transition Guide
Download our fillable, accessible Transition Guide PDF to prepare for a supported and successful graduation or transition to your student’s next learning environment. Learn about our long term readiness plan and learn how to evaluate school options, particularly specialized schools. Get practical tools, including a transition questionnaire and a school visit worksheet, in this comprehensive guide. It is our goal to provide information about local specialized school options to ensure each student receives the best possible education for their individual needs. Your Sand Hill Transition Coordinator will be with you every step of the way.
Transition Team
Meet Heather Thomas, MA, MSEd
Instructional Support Specialist
With over 20 years of experience in special education, Heather Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate, hands-on approach to supporting families. Specializing in learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, and executive function challenges, she has expertise in high school preparation, private vs. public school transitions, and personalized educational planning and more. Heather works closely with high schools across the Bay Area to ensure smooth transitions and long-term academic success for every student.
