At our third Parent Night of the 2008-2009 school year, parents who had children graduate from private schools formed a panel to discuss the questions that are on many CPS parents' minds, such as financial aid, the admissions process, and minority issues, as well as their individual experiences. The panelists included Bonnie Patterson, whose son attended Episcopal Academy, and where her daughter is currently in 12th grade; Paula Gray, whose daughter attends William Penn Charter School and whose son graduated from Abington Friends School; and Lovely Stallworth, whose son attends Chestnut Hill Academy and whose daughter currently attends the Community Partnership School. Moderating the event were Rafhia Foster, Diversity and Admissions Councelor at William Penn Charter, and Justin Brandon, Form Dean in the Upper School at Episcopal Academy. Both moderators asked relevant questions about how to get one's child into competitive private and charter middle and high schools, as well as questions about the personal side of the process.
The discussion was then opened up for general questions, when parents asked about the percentages of minority students at the area's private schools, about admissions preparation programs, and about parent involvement. The evening finished off with a reminder from Head of School Eric Jones that the Community Partnership School, though not located on a sprawling campus in the suburbs, is a private school like the others being discussed, and has a similar curriculum. Though those other schools were not necessarily conceived with minority or urban students in mind, he continued, CPS's mission is to prepare urban, minority students to be ready for just that challenge. After having many of the burning questions regarding admissions and parent commitment answered, the parents present felt equipped and ready to take on the challenge.
At our third Parent Night of the 2008-2009 school year, parents who had children graduate from private schools formed a panel to discuss the questions that are on many CPS parents' minds, such as financial aid, the admissions process, and minority issues, as well as their individual experiences. The panelists included Bonnie Patterson, whose son attended Episcopal Academy, and where her daughter is currently in 12th grade; Paula Gray, whose daughter attends William Penn Charter School and whose son graduated from Abington Friends School; and Lovely Stallworth, whose son attends Chestnut Hill Academy and whose daughter currently attends the Community Partnership School. Moderating the event were Rafhia Foster, Diversity and Admissions Councelor at William Penn Charter, and Justin Brandon, Form Dean in the Upper School at Episcopal Academy. Both moderators asked relevant questions about how to get one's child into competitive private and charter middle and high schools, as well as questions about the personal side of the process. 
