New Families Guide

Math placement testing is not required for all students; please see the guidelines below by grade level.

Grade 7 

The standard math course for Grade 7 students is Pre-Algebra, and incoming Grade 7 students do not need to take a placement test for this course.

It is not typical for an admitted 6th grade student to enroll in a course beyond pre-algebra upon entering Grade 7 at St. Sebastian’s. However, if your son will have completed a full year of pre-algebra (or higher) by June, or if you would like him considered for an advanced course in Algebra I, please request a placement test (see scheduling details below). 

Please note: the Grade 7 test is designed to assess understanding of Pre-Algebra content and is not intended to evaluate Grade 6 mathematics. If you have questions about your son’s math background, we encourage you to reach out.

Grade 8 

All students entering Grade 8 will take a math placement test designed by our Mathematics Department (see details below).

To schedule a placement test, please follow the scheduling instructions below.

Following the test, Mr. Michael Nerbonne, Assistant Head of School and Dean of Studies, will contact you to review results and recommend course placement.

Grades 9, 10 and 11 

Mr. Michael Nerbonne, Assistant Head of School and Dean of Studies, will work directly with each enrolling family to determine whether a placement test is needed.

Placement Tests

If your son will be taking a test, please email Helen Maxwell at Helen_Maxwell@stsebs.org to schedule a time from the options below.

• May 27 at 8:00 am or 3:30 pm
• May 28 at 8:00 am or 3:30 pm
• May 29 at 8:30 am*

*Whenever possible, we encourage students to test on the morning of May 29, during the New Parent Reception. 

All placement tests will be held on campus.

Questions?

If you have questions about Mathematics placement, please contact Math Department Chair Carla Callini at carla_callini@stsebs.org. 

Please plan to attend a reception for new parents:

Friday, May 29, 2026
8:30-9:30 AM
Birmingham Academic Building

At this event, you will receive important information about the upcoming year, learn about the schedule and orientation process, and have the opportunity to connect with other parents of new students. 

We encourage all parents to attend and ask that you please complete the RSVP form to let us know if you are able to join us.

RSVP

Note: This reception is for parents only; some students will be taking a math placement test at the same time.

St. Sebastian’s provides each student with an @stsebs.org email address for school-related use, along with licenses for Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, which may be installed on personal devices. 

Microsoft account credentials will be distributed at the New Parent Reception on May 29. For families unable to attend, this information will be mailed to your home address.

During orientation in September, students will be introduced to school technology expectations and guided through accessing their school email, network account, and the online portal.

Please contact Director of Library and Information Services, Mr. Michael Deschenes (michael_deschenes@stsebs.org), if you have any issues accessing your student account. 

St. Sebastian’s offers daily bus transportation for students in partnership with Noble and Greenough School. Routes serve several locations in the Boston area, including the South Shore, MetroWest, Cambridge/Somerville, and multiple neighborhoods in Boston. Please note that some routes operate in the morning only.

If you are interested in bus transportation for the 2026-27 school year, please complete the Bus Interest Form by June 19.

Your initial interest helps us plan bus routes and share updated information once routes and pricing are finalized in August. You are under no financial obligation for bus services until your family tries the bus in September and confirms your son’s participation.

Bus Interest Form

To see an example of bus routes we have run in the past, visit the Transportation Options page.  

On July 1, 2026, login credentials for the MySebs Parent and Student Portals will be mailed to your home address.

If you are a returning parent with a new student entering the School, your existing username and password will remain the same.

To access the Parent Portal, click “MySebs” and enter your username and password. Each parent/guardian will have an individual account, so please ensure all adults in your household log in separately.

Once logged in, you will be able to view your son’s schedule and grades, access directories, submit required health forms, and more. “How-To” guides are available within the portal.

We encourage you to log in as soon as you receive your credentials to ensure full access to all features.

St. Sebastian’s uses Magnus Health, an electronic medical records system that allows parents to securely complete and manage their son’s health information online. Through Magnus, families can submit required health forms, document allergies and medications, and upload annual physical exams and immunization records.

Magnus accounts will be accessible in early July, when you receive your MySebs Portal login credentials by mail. 

All required health forms must be submitted by August 14, 2026.

Parents may log in to Magnus at any time to review and update their son’s information. After the initial submission, updates are only required if there are changes (e.g., new physical exam, address, insurance, or medical information).

For questions, please contact Director of Health Services, Jen Joyce, RN at jen_joyce@stsebs.org.

This orientation program is designed to welcome new students in grades 9-11 to campus, help them become familiar with key people and places, and begin building connections within their class. Through a series of activities and introductions, students will have the opportunity to meet faculty, advisors, and student leaders, and learn more about academic and extracurricular life at St. Sebastian’s.

Returning Grade 9 students will also participate in community-building activities alongside new students and connect with fall coaches for information about the upcoming athletic season.

GRADE 9 COOKOUT for Students & Parents 

The program concludes with an informal gathering for all Grade 9 students and their families—both new and returning—to meet other families and members of the school community.

Additional details will be shared closer to the start of school.

Students in Grades 7 and 8 will take part in class outings designed to build community and welcome students to the school year. These experiences typically include outdoor activities and opportunities for students to connect with classmates and faculty in a relaxed setting.

Past outings have included outdoor adventure and ropes courses focused on teamwork and collaboration.

Additional details will be shared closer to the start of school.

New students will participate in an orientation program designed to help them get to know the school, meet faculty and student leaders, and become familiar with the academic schedule and campus.

Parents are invited to join us for a casual lunch and an opportunity to connect with faculty and advisors.

Additional details, including schedule and arrival information, will be shared later in the summer.