Academic and College Planning
Holy Family High School takes a girl-centric and developmental and thematic approach to college and academic planning. Focusing on the social, personal and academic needs of young women, our ninth grade program is intentional about ensuring a smooth transition to high school life, including nurturing new friendships and a sense of belonging at school. Beginning in ninth grade, each family has a personalized academic and college planning meeting where we begin to identify her unique gifts, strengths and interests.
Holy Family's Core Curriculum is aligned to the admission requirements to the University of California/California State University systems. Earning the Holy Family diploma with the necessary grades and GPA makes all students eligible to attend these systems.
Holy Family's Core Curriculum is also designed to support students toward admission into highly selective colleges and universities.
Below is a thematic overview of how we structure our leveled college and academic planning program. Please note, that Holy Family's academic and college planning program is designed for admission into 4-year colleges and universities.
9th Grade: Build Your Foundation
Ninth grade is all about the transition to high school, ensuring each girl feels a sense of belonging and connection with her classmates and to the school. We also focus on developing sound habits of mind and heart that lead to academic and personal success both in high school and college. A four-year, dynamic academic plan is created in partnership with each family and an Advisory period is assigned to each student.
10th Grade: Developing Your Potential
Beginning in 10th grade, students begin stretching themselves academically into Advanced Placement courses. One-on-one student and family meetings focus on strategies for academic success as well as ensuring course loads, co-curriculars, and personal and community interests begin to form a strong college resume. With the introduction of Naviance Family Connection, students and families are given access to tools that assist them exploring various college and career paths. Continued development of study habits are implemented through workshops.
11th Grade: Exploring Your Possibilities
In eleventh grade we dive deeper (and in more detail) into the exciting world of college and the admission process. We work on aligning your personal goals, interests and academic plan to your college/university aims. We look at admission factors, how to begin college research, standardized testing requirements, self-assessment, and the college admission interview. In addition, juniors spend time doing college/university visits to learn more about and experience college/university life.
12th Grade: Spotlight | You
This is your time to shine! In addition to continuing college and university visits, Holy Family provides student workshops, family workshops, and individualized support on the following college application processes:
1. Applying for Financial or Grant Aid.
2. Writing and Polishing the College Essay.
3. Preparing for the College Interview.
4. Completing and Submitting College Applications.
Holy Family partners with many and various college and universities who send their admission representatives to our school to speak to seniors who may be interested in their university.