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ACADEMICS
Saint James Director of College Advising
Saint James High School Counselors
The High School Counseling Office at Saint James offers many parent/student services. We address academic, college, and personal issues and provide information related to these areas. We are here to guide and lend a helping hand when needed and we look forward to working with students and their families during the high school years.
Below is a list of some of the services that our department provides
- Course Selection and Scheduling for the Academic Year
- College Admissions and Scholarship Applications
- Financial Aid Information
- Career Options and Planning
- Time Management and Study Skills Information
- Student/Teacher Relationships and Conflict Resolution
- ACT and SAT Information and Assistance
- ACT Aspire and PSAT Administration
- AP Testing Information and Administration
- In State and Out of State College Tours
- Scheduling of College Representatives on Campus
- Letters of Recommendation for College Admission, Scholarships, and Special Programs
- Confidential Personal Counseling
- Special Programs on College and Career Planning
College Advising in Montgomery
At Saint James School, college advising is a thoughtful, student-centered process designed to support each high school student as they navigate an increasingly complex college admissions landscape. Our academic advising program partners with students and families to ensure informed decisions that align with academic goals, career aspirations, and personal interests.
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. By emphasizing intellectual curiosity, self-reflection, and long-term planning, our college advising program helps students develop clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge as they prepare for higher education.
A Personalized Approach to College Advising
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.
Through ongoing advising conversations, students receive guidance on:
This personalized academic advising ensures that students remain on track academically while also developing the independence and self-advocacy skills needed for success beyond high school.
Partnership with Families
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.
Our advisors serve as a trusted resource for families, offering clarity, encouragement, and guidance as students make meaningful decisions about their future. This collaborative approach helps students feel supported while learning to take ownership of their educational journey.
Supporting Students Through the College Admissions Process
The college admissions process can feel overwhelming. Saint James School provides structured, comprehensive support at every stage. Our advisors work closely with admissions officers, colleges, and universities to help students understand expectations and timelines.
College advising services include:
Students are encouraged to ask quick questions, schedule appointments, and share information openly with their advisor so that no part of the process feels uncertain or rushed.
Academics That Prepare Students for College and Beyond
Strong academics are the foundation of college readiness. Saint James School’s rigorous high school curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills essential for undergraduate students.
Through careful course planning each semester, students learn how to:
This academic advising approach ensures students are not only prepared for admission but are equipped to thrive once they arrive on campus.
Preparing Students for Success in Higher Education
College advising at Saint James School extends beyond acceptance letters. Our goal is to prepare students for long-term success in college and life by helping them develop resilience, self-awareness, and purpose.
By graduation, students leave Saint James with:
College Acceptances
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. Each graduate chooses the college that best fits their goals, and these acceptances reflect the breadth of opportunities available to Saint James students.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Advising
College Advising at Saint James School begins as early as middle school. Middle school students are encouraged to explore their talents and gifts through career week activities and programming. High school students begin a more in-depth process through individual meetings, college programming, and university representative visits.
The College Advising Office has an open door policy and is open to any student during the year. Individual college planning meetings will be scheduled during the junior year of high school.
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. We believe the students should be in the driver’s seat, with the parents serving as supportive passengers along the way. Our goal is to empower both the students and parents to understand their role and how to navigate the process together.
A comprehensive full-year college advising programming schedule is created to expand opportunities for students to learn more about the college admissions process beyond the application. Events include major specific events, a fall college browsing fair, financial aid/scholarships presentations, athletics in college panels, and much more.
