College and Academic Planning
Each student at GWUOHS receives an Individualized Academic Plan and intensive, personalized college counseling and planning.
GWUOHS provides every student with an individualized high school experience. Our counselors work with each student to develop his or her own Individualized Academic Plan (IAP), with carefully mapped-out, personalized learning strategies that reflects assessments of skills, aptitude, and future goals, including discussions with the student and his or her parents. This plan becomes a living document that is revisited frequently as each student progresses.
The IAP is important because it reflects a student’s learning style and aptitude—focusing on strengths and areas of challenge, and giving us insight into goals and aspirations. If they're struggling with their work, we can offer them help; if they're ready to move on, they can.
The IAP is designed to organize and properly sequence the student’s course work. For example, your student may be particularly strong in math; GWUOHS can flexibly accommodate the level of math that’s right for your student, and provide additional opportunities for advanced study and enrichment. This helps put your student on a solid path for admission to the right set of colleges, to match your student’s goals and abilities.
Getting Out of the Box
In too many schools, students get put in a box. They are tracked in a group, even if their strengths vary by subject. Our counselors look at each individual student and put together a customized plan to meet that student’s needs. We get students out of the box by providing more choices to create personal course portfolios, instead of being restricted by the limited choices offered by other schools.
Students are encouraged to enroll in the most rigorous college preparatory courses they can manage. This generally means taking five core academic classes each year, plus Journeys Symposium.
College Planning
The College Counseling Department at GWUOHS is dedicating to helping students find the college or university that will align with their interests, passions, and talents. Students are encouraged to begin thinking about college as early as 9th grade. Our counselors guide students year by year to prepare for the journey of college selection.
Journeys Symposium is the required college and life planning course that all GWUOHS students take. Students and parents also gain access to the proprietary Family Connections resource site, where students are able to explore careers and research colleges. Family Connections is used by students during their tenure to help them plan and set goals.
Starting in 11th grade, students begin the college selection process with the help of the college counselor. Students research colleges and begin building a list of prospective schools. Students have an opportunity to attend online college fairs, and complete virtual tours of campuses. Students are encouraged to visit college campuses in person during the summer between 11th and 12th grade. During 11th grade, students begin writing a college essay with the help of their counselor.
In 12th grade, the counseling department meets with students and families regularly to assist them with college applications. Family Connections is used to assist students in the organization of their college applications. The counseling department further assists students with the Common Application, Financial Aid, and Scholarships. Students and families are supported throughout the entire process.
The GWUOHS College Counseling department is devoted to assisting students in achieving their college dreams and offers the GWUOHS student the ultimate in support and guidance.
Counselors
Name: Maria Coyle
Education: The George Washington University, PhD Candidate, Counseling; Montclair State University, M.A., Counseling; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, B.A., Psychology with a certificate in Criminology
License: New Jersey, School Counseling
Position: GWUOHS Associate Head of School
Experience: 4 years – teaching and school counseling, two years in brick and mortar public school, two years in online environment
Contact:
Phone: 571-327-6847
Email: macoyle@k12.com
Name: Claudia E. Powell
Degrees: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, M.A., French; Moravian College, B.A., French and Spanish
License: PA, IL, CA, WS, NC; Teaching
Position: GWUOHS Academic Dean and College Counselor
Experience: 17 years – teaching and school leadership, thirteen years brick and mortar public, four years online
Contact:
Phone: 703-483-7418
Email: cpowell@k12.com
Name: Jon Yeager
Degrees: Ohio Wesleyan University, B.S., Film Studies
GWUOHS Position: GWUOHS Assistant College Counselor, Registrar
Experience: 6 years school – teaching and school administration, three years brick and mortar private, three years online
Contact
Phone: 703-726-4102
Email: jyeager@k12.com