This weekend, eighth-graders who live in Baltimore City will be taking the first steps toward exercising a choice that wouldn't have been open to them a decade ago. The city school system is holding its high school fair and about 4,000 students are expected to come with their parents to see what schools they might be interested in attending next fall.

The choices are staggering for any teenager. Do you want a large, comprehensive high school where you have many course offerings, a marching band and multiple varsity athletic teams? Or do you want a small intimate high school where you get to know your teachers and you can get that extra help you may need? There are high schools for those interested in the medical professions, those who want to be artists and those who think that getting through high school in two years is a good idea.

The event is being held at the Poly-Western complex and is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Mayor Sheila Dixon will be there in the morning to help judge which high school has the best display at its booth.