6 Ways to Make the Most of Your Senior's Final Year at Davidson Day

Mark your calendar for all of the senior events throughout the year. It’s not just about commencement; senior year is filled with events you don’t want your student to miss. Add these to your calendar:

*Exact date to be announced at a later date.

From yearbook pages to graduation party slideshows, you’ll want baby photos, goofy childhood shots, and candid pictures with friends. Bonus points for pictures with other members of the Davidson Day Class of 2026…those will be true gems to share with our community throughout the year!

Throughout the college application process, we often tell our students to run their own race and remind them that comparison is the thief of joy. We’re sharing this same wisdom with you. Every student’s path to graduation and beyond is unique; embrace the challenges and changes ahead, and resist comparing your student's journey to others.

Whether it’s the first visit or a return trip for admitted students’ day, you’ll be on the road this year visiting college campuses. Rack up and save those travel points now—you’ll thank yourself later. These trips are investments in your student's future and precious bonding time during this transitional year.

You can apply too – for FAFSA that is! Make it a priority to familiarize yourself with the FAFSA website early in the process. Create your account, help your student create theirs, and don't wait until the last minute to tackle the FAFSA process. Starting early reduces stress and ensures you don't miss important deadlines. The best way you can prepare for this is by making sure your prior-prior year taxes have been completed. For students entering colleges in the fall of 2026, this means 2024 taxes.

"Oh, the places you will go!" Senior year is both a finish line and a starting line. This year will bring a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, pride, maybe some tears—and that's all perfectly normal. Approach each milestone with an open heart and trust in your student's abilities.

Final thought: This year will fly by. Savor the games, speeches, dinners, and quiet moments in between. This senior year is as much about celebrating how far your student has come as it is about preparing for what's next. Embrace every moment, trust the process, and know that the Davidson Day School community is here to support both you and your senior every step of the way.