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Amber McConnel Head of College & School Counseling at Saint Francis High School in Milton, GA

Amber has been a passionate School and College Counselor at Saint Francis for 14 years, providing personalized direction to students and families. Amber leads the counseling department in helping students identify careers and majors that align with their strengths and interests, offering tailored academic course planning to support their goals.

The Saint Francis Counseling Department also assists families in navigating the college admissions process, including securing scholarships and financial aid, ensuring every student is set up for long-term success.

Amber McConnel
Head of College & School Counseling

Guiding Students Toward Their Future Success

At Saint Francis High School, we believe every student’s journey is unique. That’s why our College Counseling program is tailored to help each student identify and achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Beginning in 9th grade, our dedicated counselors work closely with students and families, providing personalized guidance that supports their aspirations and prepares them for success at top colleges and beyond.

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Comprehensive Support for Students and Families

Our College Counseling program offers a holistic approach to academic and career planning. From the moment students join Saint Francis, they benefit from continuous support, regular progress monitoring, and a wide range of resources designed to ensure their success. Our 1:75 counselor-to-student ratio ensures every student receives individualized attention, meeting with their counselor at least 20 times over their high school career. Through 40+ hours of personalized college and career planning, we empower students to confidently navigate their futures. Highlights of our services include:

For Students: Personalized Guidance to Achieve Their Dreams
  • Personalized 4-Year Academic Plans: Each student receives a custom roadmap aligning with their goals, academic needs, and interests. Regular reviews ensure they stay on track for success.
  • Holistic Social-Emotional Support: We focus on students’ well-being by providing counseling to address challenges, support conflict resolution, and promote resilience throughout high school.
  • Step-by-Step College Admissions Guidance: With expert counselors and tools like Naviance, students explore career options, research colleges, and navigate every stage of the college application process.
  • Comprehensive Testing Preparation: Students take the PSAT and Pre-ACT three times during their time at Saint Francis. Additionally, our ACT Prep Course, offered three times a year during the school day by an outside tutoring company, provides unparalleled convenience and effectiveness.
  • Resume and Essay Workshops: Held each semester, these workshops help students craft standout applications, with counselors offering an average of 9 reviews per essay and resume to ensure excellence.
  • Scholarship and Financial Aid Support: Dedicated workshops during senior year help students identify scholarships, complete applications, and secure financial aid opportunities tailored to their needs.
For Parents: Empowering Families Every Step of the Way
  • Interactive Workshops: We host sessions on essential topics such as test preparation, navigating the college admissions process, understanding financial aid, fostering social media awareness, and promoting online safety. These workshops provide actionable insights to help parents support their children effectively.
  • Personalized One-on-One Meetings: Parents meet with counselors quarterly or as needed to discuss academic progress, review their child’s goals, and adjust plans as necessary. This personalized guidance ensures alignment between school efforts and family expectations.
  • Expert Consultative Resources: Our counselors offer specialized support for parents navigating complex processes like standardized testing accommodations and understanding college application requirements. We make these steps clear and manageable for families.
College and Career Connections: Unlocking Future Opportunities
  • Personality and Career Assessments: Conducted during junior year, these assessments help students uncover their unique strengths, identify potential career pathways, and explore compatible college majors and institutions.
  • College Representative Visits: Each fall, admissions representatives from leading colleges and universities visit Saint Francis, providing students with direct access to ask questions, learn about programs, and make connections.
  • Scholarship and Career Resources: Students benefit from workshops, one-on-one guidance, and digital tools to research scholarships, explore career options, and plan for their futures with confidence.

Shaping Futures with a Proven Path to College Success

At Saint Francis High School, we take pride in guiding students to realize their full potential. From personalized academic plans to individualized college counseling, our approach ensures that every graduate is prepared for success in higher education and beyond. The numbers speak for themselves: our students not only meet expectations but consistently surpass them, securing spots at top colleges and earning millions in scholarships. Whether in academics, athletics, or the arts, Saint Francis students achieve their dreams with confidence and purpose.

Student studing at the high school library

Unmatched Results

A Dedicated College Counselor That Inspires Confidence
  • 100% Graduation Rate: Every Saint Francis student completes their high school journey equipped for the future.
  • 100% College Acceptance Rate: All students applying to college receive at least one admission offer.
  • 84% First-Choice College Acceptance: The majority of students gain admission to their top-choice schools.
  • $37,000 Average Scholarship Offer: The average amount of scholarships offered per student per year-EXCLUDING HOPE.
  • $5.5 Million in Scholarships Awarded Annually: On average, our seniors receive substantial financial support to pursue their dreams.
  • 264 College Acceptances in 2024: Representing 101 prestigious institutions nationwide.
  • 1:75 Counselor-to-Student Ratio: Ensures personalized attention and guidance throughout all four years.
  • 15 AP Courses with a 94% Pass Rate in 2024: Far exceeding national averages and preparing students for collegiate success.
  • Average of 9 Application Reviews Per Student: Our counselors provide meticulous feedback on essays and resumes, ensuring polished, competitive applications.
  • 40 Hours of College and Career Planning: Each student benefits from dedicated, individualized counseling time.

Your Student's Pathway to Success

At Saint Francis High School, we are deeply committed to helping students unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. Whether guiding families through financial aid, supporting students in identifying their strengths, or celebrating college acceptances, we ensure that every step of the journey is seamless and supported. Ready to see how Saint Francis can help your family achieve success?

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Frequently Asked Questions About College Counseling At Saint Francis High School

When does the college counseling process begin at Saint Francis High School?

At Saint Francis High School, the college counseling process begins in 9th grade. Our dedicated counselors work closely with students and families from the start of high school, providing personalized guidance to help each student identify and achieve their academic, personal, and career goals.

What kind of personalized academic planning is available through the College Counseling program?

Each student at Saint Francis High School receives a personalized 4-year academic plan tailored to their goals, academic needs, and interests. These custom roadmaps are regularly reviewed to ensure students stay on track for success, aligning their coursework with their future aspirations.

How does the College Counseling program assist with scholarship and financial aid applications?

Our College Counseling program includes dedicated workshops during senior year to help students identify scholarships, complete applications, and secure financial aid opportunities tailored to their needs. Counselors provide one-on-one guidance to ensure students and families are well-informed and supported throughout the financial aid process.

What resources are available for parents through the College Counseling program?

Saint Francis High School's College Counseling program offers interactive workshops for parents on essential topics such as test preparation, navigating the college admissions process, understanding financial aid, fostering social media awareness, and promoting online safety. Additionally, parents have access to personalized one-on-one meetings with counselors to discuss their child's academic progress and goals.

What opportunities do students have to meet with college representatives?

Each fall, admissions representatives from leading colleges and universities visit Saint Francis High School. These visits provide students with direct access to ask questions, learn about programs, and make connections, enhancing their understanding of potential college options.

How does the College Counseling program assist students in exploring potential careers?

During their junior year, students participate in personality and career assessments to uncover their unique strengths and identify potential career pathways. Counselors use these assessments to guide students in exploring compatible college majors and institutions, aligning their academic plans with future career goals.

What are the outcomes of the College Counseling program in terms of college acceptances and scholarships?

The College Counseling program at Saint Francis High School boasts impressive outcomes, including a 100% graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, and 84% of students being accepted to their first-choice college. Additionally, on average, seniors receive $5.5 million in scholarships annually, demonstrating the effectiveness of our comprehensive support.