The goal of our 9th grade program is to help students develop the habits they will need to make the most of their high school experience. We work closely with the US Academic Dean and the 9th Grade Class Dean, to help students find the right balance between academic challenge and extracurricular commitments. In addition, we encourage students to plan their summers in a deliberate and thoughtful way. The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) maintains a database of summer programs in a variety of fields, from science and architecture to writing and drama called The OH!, and we encourage students to consult us, their teachers, and families about finding meaningful summer activities.

Each fall and spring, the College Counseling Office (CCO) participates in parent education programs to review the academic program at Head-Royce. The 9th grade team hosts morning coffee and evening receptions to answer families' questions about course selection, standardized testing, and the college application process.  

Our class meetings with sophomores build on the work we did with students in 9th grade. Again, our focus is on helping students find the mix of courses that challenges them while still allowing them to feel successful. We also encourage 10th graders to deepen their commitments to two or three extracurricular activities and to begin imagining themselves as leaders within our community. In the fall of sophomore year, we introduce 10th graders to the standardized testing many colleges require. We offer several opportunities for them to take practice tests: in October, they take the PSAT; in January, we offer a full-length practice ACT; and in April, students may take one or two practice SAT Subject Tests. In each case, our goal is to lower students' anxiety and improve their preparation by familiarizing them with the format and contact of the exams. In the spring, we encourage 10th grade families to set up an appointment with a college counselor to discuss their testing plan and questions around course selection and the college process.   

The college process officially kicks off in late fall/early winter with a College Night Program for Juniors and their Families. At this initial meeting, we provide an overview of our program and timeline.  Each junior is assigned to one of three counselors and individual meetings begin in January of junior year. The CCO leads workshops and class meetings to discuss a variety of college-related topics such as: personal inventory of strengths and achievements, building a college list, conducting college research, requesting letters of recommendation, mock college interviews, college essays, and how to be the best college applicant possible. 

Seniors participate in College Blast in August, a series of two-day college boot camps where our three college counselors work with students to start their application process. Each student works very closely with their college counselor throughout the fall and winter to continue to shape their list, finalize essays, and submit applications. The CCO also works side-by-side with families to identify scholarship and financial aid opportunities. It is our priority to meet the needs of our students and guide them through this process from application through matriculation.