This year, St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA), celebrated a remarkable achievement — the surpassing of $6 million in offered college scholarships. This milestone reflects the school’s commitment to dedicated, effective college counseling. This spring, SJNA students have been awarded full scholarships to elite universities such as Notre Dame and West Point.
St. John’s Northwestern Academies has a 100% college acceptance rate. Students on average receive over $115,000 in scholarship awards and offers to the colleges and universities of their choice.
“Because we are a small, close-knit private school, college counseling is not just a service but a cornerstone of our academic excellence,” says Catherine “Cat” Lewis, assistant dean of academics and college career counselor.
“Best of all, unlike many private schools, you don’t have to pay extra for our college counseling on top of tuition. It is part of our curriculum and built into the school day.”
Why is college counseling so important – even before high school?
At SJNA, the role of college counseling extends far beyond guidance. The school takes a personalized approach tailored to each student’s aspirations and goals, says Lewis.
“At SJNA, college counseling can start as young as sixth grade. For kids who want to attend elite universities, we can help set your child on that path. For students who have specific scholarship goals, we can help them get there. It’s never too early to start planning for success and everyone’s journey is going to look different.”
With a Master’s Degree in English, Lewis also gives expert support to students as they prepare their all-important college essays. “We don’t just guide students towards specific colleges and universities. They have a personal guide for the entire application process,” she says.
The benefits of dedicated college counseling
Central to SJNA’s college counseling success is the strong bond forged between counselors like Lewis and the students.
“Our small size allows me to work one-on-one with students. I get to know them and their specific needs,” says Lewis.
Lewis and her staff have found that this access to early and personalized college counseling has resulted in higher GPAs and an earlier focus on specific schools, which leads to better scholarship and acceptance outcomes. “Our students and families also experience less senior stress because they are well-prepared,” Lewis notes.
Because of their preparation, students at SJNA will stand out from fellow scholarship applicants, says Lewis. “A great high school resume doesn’t happen overnight. You have to prove to schools that you have the ability to work hard and distinguish yourself in your fields of interest.”
Scholarships are more than just dollars
“Scholarships open doors for students,” says Lewis. “They give opportunities for students to pursue their academic passions and ambitions without the constraints of financial limitations. This can have a positive impact on the course of a student’s life.”
By applying for scholarships strategically, students can broaden their college choices, says Lewis. “I help students pinpoint the places where these scholarships can be found. You have to know where to look and what is the right fit for a specific student.”
SJNA students have also benefited from ROTC scholarships and AP Capstone, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Combined with the school’s mission to create young leaders, students emerge from SJNA with the tools they need for not only college success, but personal achievement.
“Everyone has a different definition of success,” says Lewis. “We empower our students to achieve what that looks like for them.”
For more information about St. John’s Northwestern Academies, visit sjnacademies.org/
