Guidance - Formation Program

The focus of the freshman formation program is ensuring a successful transition to high school, both academically and socially. Students gain an understanding of their values, learning styles, communication preferences, and team/leadership skills. Students are asked to continually reflect on their performance and develop improvement plans and set new goals. Self-advocacy is emphasized through role playing scenarios. The development of an assertive communication style is stressed. Students are encouraged to become involved in co-curriculars, ministry activities and/or sports to ensure that they have a balanced high school experience.

The focus of the junior formation program is preparation for college through self-awareness and understanding of the college search and application processes. Students develop a deeper understanding of self through values clarification and personality type assessments. They learn to use the college resource system, Naviance, to aid in finding the best fit college. Their Preliminary SAT (PSAT) results are reviewed and an improvement plan is developed. They are introduced to the ACT and SAT exams and a study preparation plan is completed. Through role play the students become prepared for interactions with college admissions representatives at the Loyola Academy College Night in the fall and college visits at Loyola throughout the year. The student and his/her family meet with their college counselor to explore college options.