Approach and Philosophy
The Office of College Guidance supports and echoes the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education in its daily operation. Adherence to these principles influences our approach in guiding students in the college process. Central to this idea is the development of the total person, the importance of integrity, self-advocacy, and personal growth.

Born out of this Sacred Heart foundation is the college office philosophy of “FIT”:

Finding the right college for each individual student
Integrity, Advocacy, and Civility
Trends and Myths...support the dream and accept the reality

The Office of College Guidance promotes advocacy and individual attention throughout the college process. In keeping with this philosophy, the office has established a model of teamwork based on a holistic approach for each student as well as the class as a whole. Open lines of communication ensure the smooth functioning of the office’s collective efforts on behalf of each student and the entire class.

The Office of College Guidance consists of two full-time counselors and an administrative assistant. Each member of the Office of College Guidance operates in a spirit of collaboration. Advice and information is shared between both college guidance counselors. The sharing of information allows advocacy to the benefit of each individual student, while promoting the distinctive spirit of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart.

College Counseling
The College Counseling program is a comprehensive program providing individual and group counseling to students and their parents. The goal of the program is to help each student identify her personal gifts and strengths in order to select a college that serves her needs, enhances her growth and prepares her for the future.

College seminars are offered in the spring of the Third Academic year and the fall of the Fourth Academic year to facilitate the process. Assistance is given to the students in many areas encompassing the college selection process: organizing the college search, learning about admissions procedures, college visits and interview techniques, writing the college essay, and researching colleges and analyzing date to make an informed and personal college list based on the concept of "FIT". Financial Aid information and scholarship application procedures are also available.  Assistance is also given to students in identifying possible programs of study in college and career opportunities.

The College Counseling center houses resources for students to gather information independently about colleges. Students also have the opportunity to meet with over 100 representatives from colleges across the country who visit Stone Ridge each year. Parents and students are encouraged to gain greater access to college information through our internet-based Naviance program.