Self-Assessments

Encourage your child to take ownership of their goals and achievements at Gilmour Academy, where we engage students in the performance evaluation process.

Online Scheduling

For nearly three decades, Gilmour has utilized Self-Assessments, an alternative approach to the traditional parent-teacher conference. Instead of being passive listeners at a conference, or not in attendance at all, each year our students prepare a formal presentation assessing their strengths and challenges for a gathering of their parents, teachers and advisors.

At Gilmour, we are always preparing students for the world beyond Gilmour. That’s why we’re passionate about coeducation. That’s why we utilize block scheduling. That’s why public speaking is woven throughout the curriculum. And that’s why we came up with the Self-Assessment model.

Our Self-Assessments mimic the performance evaluation process students will encounter in the real world and provide them with a skill set few high school students have the chance to develop.

Self Assessment FAQs

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

Q. What is a Self-Assessment?
- Self-assessments are Gilmour’s alternative approach to the traditional parent-teacher conference in which students in grades 7-12 make an annual formal presentation to a panel of their parents, teachers and counselors. The purpose is to give students an opportunity to address their personal goals, academic successes and challenges, and to reflect on their progress toward the Gilmour Outcomes.
- Seniors present a more extensive version of the self-assessment called Senior Examen. The Senior Examen requires participants to: reflect upon the ways in which they have learned to live the Gilmour mission; identify and analyze the defining moments throughout their years at Gilmour that have shaped and influenced them; to share how they plan to use what they have learned in their future endeavors.
Q. Who participates in Self-Assessments?

Students in grades 7-11 present a self-assessment annually. Seniors take part in the more extensive Senior Examen (translated from the Latin “for consideration”). As an alternative to the traditional parent-teacher conference model, presentations also require the attendance of the student’s parents, counselor, advisor and select teachers.
Q. How do students prepare for their Self-Assessments?
- Given the in-depth and cumulative nature of the self-assessment process, students work with their advisors throughout the year to prepare for their presentations.
- Students are asked to take a holistic approach and focus on their personal, academic, spiritual and emotional growth, providing evidence—such as anecdotes or examples of work—to support their position. In addition to general goals, students at each grade level are given specific questions to address about such topics as their development as leaders, integration of Holy Cross values and readiness for additional challenges and more advanced work.
Q. Where/when do Self-Assessments take place?

Self-assessments take place in the Classroom Building during October/November or February/March; students and parents may choose which semester they prefer.
Q. How are they scheduled?

Self-assessments are scheduled online. Click the "Scheduling" button to schedule your child's self-assessment.

Be sure to mark the date in your calendar, as there are no reminder alerts.
Q. What is proper attire?

Students should wear their school uniform or professional attire.

Guides

~ GA Parent

“Watching my daughter grow through Gilmour’s Self-Assessment process was one of the most meaningful parts of her education. From the very first presentation freshman year to her Senior Examen, she learned to own her strengths and acknowledge where she could improve. Each year, we heard thoughtful feedback from teachers and advisors who knew her deeply and cared profoundly about her success. Because of these experiences, she steps into the real world ready to speak with confidence, accept constructive criticism with grace and rise to every challenge that comes her way.”