Introduction

The counselors at Loyola High School (LHS) hope that this handbook will become a useful tool to help our families successfully navigate each year of high school and fully engage in the high school experience with the Jesuit mission and vision in mind. This begins with making the transition into high school and culminates with graduation and transitioning to college.

We recognize that college attendance is just one milestone in the life journey of our students, granted, an important one for both students and parents. Mindful of the developmental process of adolescents, our Counseling Department has created a comprehensive program to assist the personal growth and development of students as they move through their high school experience in grades 9–12. This program intentionally addresses developmentally appropriate topics at each grade level.

From our perspective, we want each student to understand that high school “success” cannot be measured by college acceptance alone. Our goal is for the college process to focus on mature, realistic decision-making with an emphasis on considering the ‘whole person’ as college choices are made. Ultimately, each college applied to should meet the student’s own definition of “The Right Fit.”

Although college applications are not completed until the fall of senior year, it is necessary for families to be aware of the steps that precede applying to college. Self discovery, determining personal strengths and weaknesses, goal setting, overcoming personal challenges and finally, honing decision making skills, all contribute to the successful completion of high school and signify an important step toward adulthood.

In addition to our work with each student, we offer a series of educational events for families to attend at Loyola High School.