Guidance & College Counseling - Christian Heritage School

Academic Guidance

The focus of the counseling program at Christian Heritage centers on the developmental needs of all students in the Upper School. The program seeks to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century by facilitating student growth in the following areas:

Academic Development
Personal/Social Development
College and Career Development

The counseling staff recognizes the unique talents and abilities that God has given to everyone. The program encourages each student to develop greater self-awareness, individual responsibility and decision-making skills. As an integral part of the educational process, the staff works in a pro-active manner providing services for students, parents, and school personnel.

Career and College Counseling

The goal of the Christian Heritage School college counseling program is to foster students’ academic, personal, and spiritual growth as they explore their abilities, passions, strengths, and interests through class guidance, assessments, and individualized counseling. Students who find the greatest success in the college process are students who own the process with careful planning, self-reflection, and utilization of resources available to them. These resources include the College Counselor and Registrar, newsletters, class guidance, college visits, presentations, and workshops.

Historically, 98% of our students matriculate to a wide array of institutions ranging from highly-selective colleges to technical programs, building upon the strong educational foundation of Christian Heritage School.

Feel free to explore the college counseling website for important documents and information relating to the college process.

College Counseling Program Overview (Click to View)

Freshman

PSAT 8/9– measures readiness for college, access scholarships, and practice for the SAT

TOEFL – English-language test used for course placement and college admissions

Khan Academy – PSAT and SAT test prep program (class guidance on interpretation of scores and resources available)

Holland Codes Career Guidance – personality test focusing on careers and vocational choice

Course Selections Guidance – course selection guidance (course offerings, graduation requirements, 4-year plan)

Academic Accountability Program – provides academic support through meetings and counseling

Study Skills Workshop – introduction to study habits, time management, and study skills

Academic and College Meetings – general small-group and/or class meetings regarding college and academics

Naviance - program that assists students in their career and college search including college admissions data, assessments, resume building, etc.

Sophomore

PSAT/NMSQT – measures readiness for college, access scholarships, and practice for the SAT

AP Exams – measure mastery of content and skills of an AP-level course

TOEFL – English-language test used for course placement and college admissions

Khan Academy – PSAT and SAT test prep program (class guidance on interpretation of scores and resources available)

Myer Briggs inventory Career Guidance – introspective self-report assessment indicating differing psychological preferences in how people perceive the world around them and make decisions

College Representative Visits – meet with college representatives to learn about the institution, majors, admissions, etc.

Course Selections Guidance – course selection guidance (course offerings, graduation requirements, 4-year plan)

Summer Internship Program – provides students to explore careers and develop career skills

Academic Accountability Program – provides academic support through meetings and counseling

Academic and College Meetings – general small-group and/or class meetings regarding college and academics

Naviance - program that assists students in their career and college search including college admissions data, assessments, resume building, etc.

Junior

PSAT/NMSQT – measures readiness for college, access scholarships, and practice for the SAT

In-School SAT Day

AP Exams – measure mastery of content and skills of an AP-level course

TOEFL – English-language test used for course placement and college admissions

SAT Prep Course

Financial Aid Workshop – provides college financial aid information

College Representative Visits – meet with college representatives to learn about the institution, majors, admissions, etc.

Course Selections Guidance – course selection guidance (course offerings, graduation requirements, 4-year plan)

Summer Internship Program – provides students to explore careers and develop career skills

Academic Accountability Program – provides academic support through meetings and counseling

Life Calling Course – junior Bible course focusing on unique design, personal mission, and foundational values

Junior College Night – introduction to college admissions and the application process

Academic and College Meetings – general small-group and/or class meetings regarding college and academics

Naviance - program that assists students in their career and college search including college admissions data, assessments, resume building, etc.

Senior

AP Exams – measures mastery of content and skills of an AP-level course

TOEFL – English-language test used for course placement and college admissions

SAT Prep Course

Financial Aid Workshop – provides college financial aid information

College Trip – annual college visit to various institutions

Careers @ Lunch – learn about various careers through various professionals during lunch

College Representative Visits – meet with college representatives to learn about the institution, majors, admissions, etc.

Course Selections Guidance – course selection guidance (course offerings, graduation requirements, 4-year plan)

Summer Internship Program – provides students to explore careers and develop career skills

Academic Accountability Program – provides academic support through meetings and counseling

College Camp – college applications and college essay workshop

Academic and College Meetings – general small-group and/or class meetings regarding college and academics

Naviance - program that assists students in their career and college search including college admissions data, assessments, resume building, etc.

Scholarships/Financial Aid - guidance on scholarship search process; provide scholarship opportunities throughout the school year

College Essay Workshop - guidance on writing the college essay in senior literature courses

Carly Spina
College Counselor
Academic Counselor
High School

M.A. New York University
B.S. Post University

Dianne Stempien
Registrar

For more information, contact Carly Spina.