College Counseling

Home – College Counseling

Personalized guidance for every step ahead

Your journey to college and beyond starts here.

At St. Johns Country Day School, college counseling is more than a process — it’s a partnership. Our College Counseling Team walks alongside every student and family from the very beginning of Upper School, helping each Spartan discover the right academic, social, and financial fit for their future. With thousands of colleges and universities to explore, our counselors ensure that every student finds the path that matches their goals, interests, and sense of purpose.
Through one-on-one guidance, small group workshops, and regular family meetings, we help students navigate every step, from researching schools and exploring career interests to completing applications and making confident final decisions. The College Counseling Office maintains an open-door policy, welcoming students for questions, advice, and encouragement at any time.

Class of 2025 Fast Facts

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AP Scholars

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Graduates

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National Merit Commended Scholar

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National Merit Hispanic Scholar

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National First Generation Scholar

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Athletes Committed to Play at the College Level

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Bright Futures Recipients

The St. Johns Roadmap to College

GRADE 8

Introduction

Families meet one-on-one with a college counselor to discuss freshman course planning and what to expect in the years ahead.

GRADE 9

Freshman Year

  • Freshmen meet as a group with counselors to kick off their college journey and take their first PSAT for early practice.
  • Counselors introduce college readiness topics like study habits, leadership, and extracurricular exploration.

GRADE 10

Sophomore Year

  • Sophomores take the PSAT and meet individually with counselors to plan junior-year schedules.
  • Students complete career and personality assessments and begin using SCOIR, our college preparation platform.
  • Practice SAT and ACT exams help identify strengths and opportunities for growth.

GRADE 11

Junior Year

  • Juniors participate in weekly college counseling classes, take the PSAT, and begin official ACT/SAT testing.
  • Students research schools, plan college visits, and begin requesting teacher recommendations.
  • All juniors complete a Career Shadowing Project to explore real-world interests.

GRADE 12

Senior Year

  • Seniors meet frequently with counselors to finalize college lists, refine essays, and complete applications.
  • Counselors provide personalized support with financial aid, scholarships, and decision-making.
  • Students and families celebrate college acceptances and next steps together, confident and ready for what’s ahead.

Academic Distinction & Institutional Credibility

Accredited & Recognized for Excellence

St. Johns Country Day School is accredited by Cognia, the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) .

Our College Counseling team and school leadership maintain active memberships in respected professional organizations including:

  • National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
  • Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
  • Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS)
  • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

These affiliations ensure our students benefit from ethical standards, best practices, and strong relationships with colleges and universities nationwide.

Advanced & Rigorous Curriculum

St. Johns offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum designed to challenge, support, and inspire students.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Include:
Biology, Calculus AB & BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language & Literature, Environmental Science, French, Latin, Macroeconomics, Physics, Psychology, Research, Spanish Language, Statistics, U.S. History, U.S. Government & Politics, World History, and more

Honors & Advanced Courses Available Across Disciplines:
English (9–12), Math (through Calculus), Science, World Languages, History, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and more

AP School Honor Roll Recognition

St. Johns Country Day School has been recognized on the AP School Honor Roll, reflecting our commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework and supporting strong student performance. This distinction highlights our culture of academic rigor and college readiness across the Upper School.

Global Online Academy (GOA)

Through our membership in Global Online Academy (GOA), sophomores, juniors, and seniors have access to specialized courses not typically available in a traditional setting .

GOA allows students to:

  • Collaborate with peers worldwide
  • Explore niche academic interests
  • Build digital fluency and global perspective
  • Experience college-style online learning

 

Eligibility begins with a 3.0 cumulative GPA .

Grading & GPA Transparency

St. Johns maintains a weighted GPA system:

  • +0.5 quality points for Honors courses
  • +1.0 quality point for AP courses
  • All courses are included in GPA calculations except Practicum and Career Internships

 

Unweighted GPAs are also provided on transcripts, ensuring clarity and transparency for colleges and universities.

St. Johns does not rank students, reflecting our belief that small class sizes and individualized academic paths are better represented through a holistic review process .

OUR CURRICULUM GUIDE

Upper School

At St. Johns, our goal isn’t just to help students get into college — it’s to help them discover where they’ll truly thrive.