Academics

Grade 9 SEMINAR

Students in Grade 9 attend a Freshmen Seminar class, where students are taught about
the importance of upper school to their current and future lives. Students will learn:

• Steps to academic success in Upper School
• Study skills development
• Research colleges and careers
• Attend presentations from area professionals on college and careers
• Learn about financial planning and goal setting
• Gain access to their Naviance account

Grade 10 SEMINAR

In Sophomore Seminar, students will:

• Discuss PSAT, SAT and ACT exams
• Create a career plan
• Participate in mock interviews
• Create a budget and learn about financial aid
• Mental health awareness, stress management and meditation techniques
• Students will also use their Naviance Account to start creating their college resume and search career options
• Throughout the seminar, mental health, career, and college guest speakers will be invited to present

Grade 11 SEMINAR

During Junior Seminar, students will:

• Create a post high school plan, including creating a college list
• Complete their college essay
• Letter of recommendation evaluation
• SAT /ACT plan
• Complete a college resume

*Please note, that all juniors will also meet individually with the college counselor to develop their college list. By the end of this seminar, students will be able to articulate their next steps after high school.

GRADE 12 seminar

During Senior Seminar students will:

• Complete the Common Application and additional college applications
• Revise their college essay
• Update their college resume
• Continue to research colleges in which they are interested
• Students will also develop, plan, and implement their senior project through this seminar course

One of the strengths of Park's Seminar Series is that by the student’s senior year, Mrs. Lewis, our Director of College and Life Counseling, has had students in class seminars for four years. This is extremely helpful when it comes to helping students choose the “right fit” college!