Counseling Services

Ms. Mikulski '12 one of school counselors assists two students with work in the library

The Counseling Department at Nazareth Academy High School is dedicated to working with our students the minute they arrive on campus. From their first week as freshman until graduation, the Counseling Department is here to support students academically, socially, emotionally, and in career and post-secondary endeavors.

NAHS Counseling Department

The Nazareth Academy High School Counseling Department has 4 full-time staff members and counselors available for our students every day needs. Counselors work in collaboration with CORA Services which allows for 1 part-time counselor, 1 School Psychologist, 1 Speech Therapist and 1 Education Specialist to be available throughout the school year.

Nazareth Academy students are assigned a School Counselor who will remain with them throughout their four years of high school. Additionally, seniors will have a College Counselor dedicated to providing guidance throughout the college application process. All students have access to the support of the entire Counseling Department whenever needed. Counselors meet with students at least once a semester for an individual check-in, as well as on an as needed basis. In addition, they meet in small group sessions and in large assemblies to address personal concerns, offer support, provide conflict resolution, stress management, and study strategies. Counselors are equipped to offer referrals to clinicians in the community when necessary or upon request. Whether it be academics, personal, social, or college and career, our girls' success and wellbeing at Nazareth Academy High School is forefront in the work of the Counseling Department.

Counseling Program Overview

The following overview of Nazareth Academy High School's Counseling Services includes recommendations and counseling services available at each step of the path through their high school experience.

Grade 9

Freshman Experience ~ Laying the Groundwork

Freshman year focuses on the transition between elementary and secondary levels, adjusting to the Nazareth environment. The counselors meet with their students each semester to discuss the areas of academic, career and personal/social. The students fill out the Freshman Survey which is a tool for the counselor to get to know the student better.

They are introduced to Naviance, College Board and Kahn Academy, which are websites that are used for testing prep, testing feedback as well as career and college searches. Students take the PSAT and receive feedback from their counselor.

As part of the Freshman Experience, 9^th grade students will become familiar with the entire Counseling Department through an 8-week classroom guidance program, wherein various counseling topics are covered. Study and social skills, friendship building, body image, decision making and time management, as well as many other topics, are presented.

Grade 10

Sophomore Counseling ~ Developing the Foundation

Sophomore year focuses on developing a balance between academics and personal growth opportunities. With the assistance of their counselors, the sophomores explore their personal and academic interests in relation to their majors, careers, and college choices.

The Sophomores are provided with resources to assist in their future decision making by helping them to navigate through career/major searches, and the “Do What You Are” survey completed on Naviance. Sophomore year also focuses on building their college resume through involvement in the school community, volunteer opportunities, and out of school activities.

Grade 11

Junior Counseling ~ Making Concrete Plans

Counselors assist Juniors in large groups and in one-on-one sessions to refine their college search to best fit their academic, career and personal aspirations. Nazareth Academy offers Juniors an SAT preparatory program in mathematics after school and incorporates prep work across the curriculum.

Students begin the many tasks needed to enable them to move forward with their college applications in senior year. Parent meetings are offered to both inform and honor the important role that parents play in this college planning process.

Grade 12

Senior Counseling ~ Securing the Plans

Seniors focus on college visits, applying to colleges, and financial aid considerations. While seniors await decisions from the schools of their choice, counselors encourage them to actively search for and apply for scholarships.

Seniors attend both large group sessions as well as individual meetings with both the college counselor and their assigned counselor. Parent meetings are offered to both inform and honor the important role that parents play in this college application process.