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ACADEMICS
College Advising at Saint James School
At Saint James School, college advising is a thoughtful, student-centered process that empowers students to navigate the college admissions landscape with confidence. Our graduates have gone on to colleges and universities across the country, from Duke, Rice, and the University of Michigan to Auburn, Alabama, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
By emphasizing intellectual curiosity, self-reflection, and long-term planning, our college advising program helps students develop a competitive edge as they prepare for higher education.
Where Saint James Students Are Accepted
From coast to coast, Saint James students earn admission to colleges and universities that reflect their talents, interests, and ambitions. These schools represent just a portion of the more than 300 college acceptances earned by recent graduates, including flagship public universities, nationally recognized research institutions, leading liberal arts colleges, specialized art and design schools, and U.S. service academies.
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama
- Duke University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Emory University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Rice University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Boston College
- New York University
- Tulane University
- Northeastern University
- Purdue University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- Clemson University
- College of William & Mary
- Davidson College
- Rhodes College
- Furman University
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- Gonzaga University
- Baylor University
- Howard University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of California, Irvine
- University of Colorado
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Juilliard School
- Maryland Institute College of Art
- Parsons School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- Ringling College of Art and Design
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- United States Naval Academy
- United States Air Force Academy
- United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Boston University
- Agnes Scott College
- Berry College
- The University of Pittsburgh
Rigorous Academics With Results to Match
Strong college applications start with strong coursework. Saint James School’s rigorous high school curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills essential for undergraduate students.
This rigor has results you can see:
Our counselors help each student build a schedule that balances challenge with well-being, and our college-style writing center offers free tutoring and essay support.
College Advising, Grade by Grade
No two students follow the same academic journey. Our college advising program is intentionally individualized, allowing each student to explore colleges, universities, majors, and programs that best fit their strengths, values, and professional goals.
Confidential Personal Counseling and Wellness
The high school years can bring real pressures, and we want every student to know where to turn when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. Saint James is committed to a school culture built on safety, respect, and emotional support.
Students can meet one-on-one with their counselor for confidential personal counseling and guidance. Our office also offers special programs on student wellness and health.
Meet Our Director of College Advising
We see parents as partners in supporting each student. Every high school student is assigned a counselor by last name, so families always know who to call. If you have a question or concern about your child’s academic progress or well-being, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s counselor.
Mrs. Kathryn Bandy
B.S., University of South Alabama
Kathryn Bandy is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and has dedicated her career to helping students navigate the college admissions and advising process. She spent seven years working in higher education admissions, ending her time in the field as an Assistant Director of Admissions. Kathryn then transitioned to college counseling and advising, where she has spent the past five years working directly with students and families as they explore their college options and prepare for life after high school.
Kathryn is an active member of the college admissions and counseling community through her involvement with NACAC, SACAC, and ALACRAO. She has presented at two SACAC sessions and currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Governmental Relations Committee for ALACRAO. She is also a graduate of the Disney Institute, where she completed professional development focused on leadership and service.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Advising
College Advising at Saint James School begins as early as middle school, where students are encouraged to explore their talents and gifts through Career Week activities and programming. Beginning early in high school, students work closely with a dedicated academic advisor who serves as a mentor, coach, and advocate throughout their educational journey. As they grow, the process becomes more in-depth through individual meetings, college programming, and visits from university representatives.
One of the missions of Saint James is to build up each child from the inside out. Part of this process is helping students develop the intrinsic knowledge of what they enjoy and the skills they possess. From there, the Director of College Advising can help guide students towards majors that align with these skills and interests.
Families are a crucial piece of the college advising process, and we believe college advising is most effective when students, families, and advisors work together. Families are encouraged to participate in advising conversations and stay informed throughout the process.
We also believe the students should be in the driver’s seat, with the parents serving as supportive passengers along the way. Our advisors serve as a trusted resource for families, offering clarity, encouragement, and guidance as students make meaningful decisions about their future. Our goal is to empower both the students and parents to understand their roles and how to navigate the process together.
Our programming includes a panel on competing in college athletics, which helps student-athletes understand what it takes to balance academics and athletics at the collegiate level. In the past five years, 15 Saint James students have gone on to play collegiate sports.
College advising focuses on college planning, applications, and the final decision. It’s a collaborative approach that helps students feel supported while learning to take ownership of their educational journey. This personalized approach helps students develop the independence and self-advocacy skills needed for success beyond high school.
Our high school counselors support these goals and more through guidance on course selection, study skills, testing, and students’ personal well-being. The two programs work together throughout each student’s high school career.
Schedule Your Campus Visit
The clearest way to understand how Saint James prepares students for college is to visit. Tour our Montgomery campus, meet our teachers, and bring your questions about college advising.
College Representatives are invited to schedule a time to visit our campus through Scoir.
