Guidance & College Counseling

The Notre Dame Academy Guidance Department is dedicated to the personal, academic, and social development of each student. Counselors support students throughout their years at NDA to make decisions that enable them to have a successful school experience as they prepare for high school and college. This is accomplished by cultivating a welcoming and nurturing environment where students are confident that their individual needs will be addressed.

In addition to personalized, individual monitoring of students, the NDA Guidance Curriculum is designed to meet students in small group settings in each year focusing on topics that are grade appropriate:

Grades 7 & 8: Study Skills

The Guidance Counselor meets with students throughout the school year to assist in transition, peer relationships, and study skills to include: time management, organizational, listening, notetaking, and test-taking skills.

Grade 9: Freshman Seminar

Transitioning into high school is the focus of Freshman Seminar, a regularly scheduled class for the first semester of the year, enables them to understand school logistics including policies, student life opportunitIes, and academic expectations. The seminar is designed to provide a forum for relationship building, with an emphasis on anti-bullying, empathy, and conflict resolution. At the conclusion of Freshman Seminar, all students are introduced to the “Naviance/Family Connection” program that NDA utilizes for college planning/career awareness, and complete the Learning Styles Inventory and one career assessment. Review of college standardized testing and preparation is also discussed.

Grade 10: Sophomore Seminar

In sophomore year, students are ready to develop self-awareness and broaden their scope through career assessments and review of the Learning Styles Inventory. This helps students identify their skills, strengths, and interests, serving as an important introduction to the college selection process. Review of college standardized testing and preparation is continued.

Grade 11: Junior Seminar

Self-awareness continues as students complete a number of evaluations (self, peer, teacher), write a resume, identify teacher recommenders, and begin college applications. Students research colleges through Naviance, college websites, and begin campus visits. Individual appointments address standardized testing and further exploration of college options.

Grade 12: Senior Seminar

Seniors participate in a seminar during the first quarter with special emphasis on the application process and interviewing techniques. Each student meets individually, outside of Senior Seminar, with her Guidance Counselor to address concerns and obtain regular feedback, as she navigates her way through the college admission process.

Your commitment to these girls and your knowledge of the college admission process should be shouted from the roof tops!! - Carolyn Baltas P'20

Annual NDA College Planning Events

• College Fairs
• Junior College Planning Evening
• SAT/ACT Prep Sessions
• Senior Parent Night