College & Career Readiness
At Cincinnati Classical Academy, our curriculum provides knowledge that fosters human flourishing and cultivates moral character and civic virtue. This forms the bedrock of our approach to preparing students for life after high school.
Our Approach
By emphasizing the development of wisdom and virtue alongside a challenging academic program, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to flourish in any path they chose. Our goal is for our graduates to be not just career-ready, but prepared to lead lives of purpose, integrity and civic engagement.
How do we help guide your child?
Self-Governance
Encouraging students to take ownership of their college journey by understanding their strengths, interests, and goals, in order to make informed decisions about their future.
Academic Excellence
Advising on appropriate course selection to ensure readiness for higher education.
Personal Development
Encouraging leadership, extracurricular involvement, and service.
Individualized Guidance
Supporting students and families through the complexities of the college admissions process, including financial aid.
College & Career Preparation Roadmap
Cincinnati Classical Academy guides students toward thoughtful, well-informed decisions about their futures, recognizing that success takes many forms- whether in college, trade school, military service, or other professional paths. We believe the timeless qualities of intellectual curiosity and moral reasoning are essential for individual growth and becoming contributing members of society. At CLASSICAL, college and career preparation begins in ninth grade and will build upon itself each year as students begin charting their paths for after graduation.
Freshman Year
- Introduce high school expectations and goal setting
- Encourage student to explore career interests and college pathways
- Encourage student to establish a strong academic foundation through course selection and study habits
- Encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities
Sophomore Year
- Continue academic advising and monitoring of GPA
- Begin preparation for standardized tests (PSAT) and explore college majors
- Deepen involvement in leadership roles and extracurricular activities
- Attend group workshops on time management and future planning
Junior Year
- Begin intensive college preparation: one-on-one meetings with college counselor.
- Prioritize standardized testing (SAT/ACT) and college research
- Create a preliminary college list and attend college fairs or campus visits
- Begin drafting personal statements and resumes for college applications
- Introduce financial aid options and scholarship opportunities to student and parents
Senior Year
- Continue academic advising and monitoring of GPA
- Begin preparation for standardized tests (PSAT) and explore college majors
- Deepen involvement in leadership roles and extracurricular activities
- Attend group workshops on time management and future planning
FAQs
It’s important that students focus on their studies, recognizing that the freshman year can present a challenging academic transition. Cumulative GPA starts this year and can set the tone for the entire high school career. Students should also explore new activities, leadership experiences, and begin conversations with parents about college options, studies and finances. Students are highly encouraged to begin putting together a resume: an account of noteworthy activities, awards, community service, and interests.
Students are expected to take ownership of their academic performance, seek help when needed, attend college or career workshops or presentations, and research colleges, majors and careers of interest. As students get further along in high school, they will want to prepare for and take standardized tests on time, complete applications and essays by set deadlines, and engage in extracurricular activities, community service, or internships in order to build a strong profile. Ultimately, the student is at the center of this process and they will be expected to take responsibility.
Absolutely! Attending CLASSICAL for grades 9-12 provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares students exceptionally well for college. At the same time, our students will receive a content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences that will prepare them for a life of human flourishing. CLASSICAL’s curriculum and academic standards meet and often exceed those of traditional high schools. By the time our first graduating class approaches, we are confident that CLASSICAL will be recognized by colleges not only as a legitimate educational institution but also as one of the top schools in the greater Cincinnati area.
Of course they can. Many colleges will assess GPA and test scores within the wider context of the student’s application and vigor of the high school curriculum. Merit scholarships are often based on the strength of the application, not just the numbers. This means that the vigor of schedule and difficulty of the content is becoming more important than ever when compared to easy classes and grade inflation of other schools. We believe CLASSICAL’s curriculum is among the most academically challenging in Cincinnati. Our school’s Profile Sheet (coming soon) will highlight our unique curriculum and give a broader picture of our students and their academic preparation and achievements.
9th Grade! We look forward to spending the year getting to know the high school students, introducing them to high school expectations and goal setting, and encouraging them to explore career interests and college pathways. We will introduce them to SCOIR and a few other resources to help them as they navigate the next four years.
For all other inquiries: Please contact Mrs. Ann Schmidt, Director of College & Career Readiness