Guidance and College Readiness

The work of La Salle Academy’s Counseling Department centers on the educational and personal well-being of the student. The department seeks to assist each student in developing his full potential and in identifying central concerns in his life. With scheduled individual meetings and specialized group activities, the program addresses the unique needs of each student. These needs include academic advising, crisis intervention, college planning, coping with stress, test administration and interpretation, and outside referrals for psychological treatment and educational testing. Consultations with parents regarding their son’s academic and/or personal issues are held as well.

It is the predominant expectation that every student is college-bound. This is demonstrated in the fact that every year between 99% to 100% of the senior class continues their education at colleges and universities across the US. In the spring, a College Fair is hosted for the Junior class. Admissions representatives from the colleges meet with these students again during the fall of their senior year to provide additional information about colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to schedule appointments to visit colleges they are considering. The department also hosts a Financial Aid Night for students and parents to detail this complex topic. La Salle’s Counseling offices have resources including college viewbooks, financial aid manuals, and access to web sites for student use. Naviance is a college and career software that helps the students navigate post-secondary school plans including the application process. Counselors schedule appointments with each student throughout the year, and the students are welcome and strongly encouraged to initiate appointments with their counselor.

We are dedicated to helping each student excel to their fullest potential and have the most successful high school career possible. The counselors get to know each student on a personal level and create a support network for the student that is crucial for their success.

Course of Guidance

9th Grade

Transitioning from Middle School
Establishing Relationships with Both Peers and Teachers
Importance of the First Impression
Understanding Rules and Policies
Time, Stress, and Anger Management
Peer Pressure
Conflict Resolution
Introduction to the Role of the Counselor
Explanation of Graduation Requirements and Regents Exams

10th Grade

Increased Academic Stress Levels
Regents Exams
PSAT Preparation, Administration and Interpretation
Test Anxiety and Test Taking Skills
Introduction to SAT and ACT
Introduction to College Search Process
Explanation of Regents/Advanced Regents Diplomas

11th Grade

PSAT Administration and Score Interpretation
SAT/ACT Registration and Preparation
Detailing the College Search Process – Factors to Consider in Choosing a College, How to Narrow the Search, Different Types of Colleges
The College Application Process – Essays, Recommendation Letters, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Etc.
Transcript Review
Regents Exams
College Fairs and Visits

12th Grade