Transition to Arrowhead

Wow! You may be thinking... I have an eighth grader already? Time seems to fly in the elementary and middle school years. The move from Merton Intermediate to high school stirs up many emotions in young adolescents. Our goal in Merton is to support and help families understand the numerous procedural, academic and social changes associated with the transition. Transition to high school is a process, not just one single event. We are looking forward to walking alongside this journey with you.

Merton Community School District eighth graders attend Arrowhead Union High School (AHS). Throughout the eighth grade school year, as information is received from AHS relating to the eighth and ninth-grade transition, this page will be updated. This will include AHS letters, parent meetings, scheduling information, student orientation, and any programmatic changes.

2026 Key Events

Parent and Student Informed Choice

November 1, 2025 - Arrowhead

Arrowhead High School supports “Parent and Student Informed Choice” for choosing coursework in Science, English, and Social Studies for 9th grade. This means students can choose the level of rigor that is right for them.  Please review this booklet, Making an Informed Choice Course Description Guide, for more detailed information about courses for freshmen in these subject areas.  More information will be shared at the Incoming Freshmen Orientation scheduled for January.

All Arrowhead Feeder Schools: PreACT 8/9

November 11, 2025 - Merton

Eighth graders will take the PreACT 8/9 test during the school day. The PreACT 8/9 test assesses student readiness in English, math, reading, science, and writing. Along with subject area scores, there are reporting categories based on the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards to provided additional perspectives on student readiness. Results will be provided when they become available in January.

Student Online Enrollment

Before December 12, 2025 - Arrowhead

Complete Arrowhead's NEW Student Online Enrollment Process from November 4. -December 9. Please see this letter from Arrowhead with additional information.

PreACT 8/9 and Academic and Career Planning Night for Parents / Guardians

January 13, 2026 - Merton

Merton's Director of Curriculum and Instruction will present an overview of how to interpret your child's PreACT results and how they relate to the high school course selection process and future planning.  An email to 8th grade parents with more information will be sent once results are received and a date can be sent.

• PreACT Presentation Resources- Updates Coming Soon!
• PreACT Overview and College Presentation Link
• Career Presentation Link
• PreACT 8/9 Student Report Interpretive Guide
• Understanding the PreACT Assessment Student Score Report Video
• PreACT / College Course Planning Meeting Slides
• PreACT / Career Course Planning Meeting Slides

Freshman Orientation at South Campus

January 21, 2026 - Arrowhead

More information on this will be shared in upcoming communications directly from Arrowhead to 8th grade families. Invitation Information.

Eighth-Grade Student Presentations

TBD - Merton

Arrowhead counselors come to Merton to share additional information and opportunities at Arrowhead High School. The presentation can be found here.

Course Registration Required

February 12-14, 2026 - Arrowhead

AHS Course Selection/Registration Process. Students will be selecting their courses for next year.  The presentation can be found here.

WINGS

TBD - Arrowhead

During WINGS, you will meet new people and learn about the Arrowhead Way values: Be Appropriate, Be Respectful, Be Responsible. These values are the key to your success at Arrowhead High School.

WINGS Parent Session and Tour

August 19-21, 2026 - Arrowhead