Counseling Services
All students at Hampden Academic participate in weekly Academic Advisory classes coordinated through the Guidance Department. The purpose of the academic advisory program is to ensure that each student at Hampden Academy has an adult, in addition to a guidance counselor, who will help monitor progress towards meeting academic, social and civic goals. Each student will be in a group of approximately 15 students with a teacher as the academic advisor. This group will stay together for four years, meeting weekly for a brief check-in and monthly for an extended meeting. This advisory is intended to assist students in planning for their education and careers. Academic Advisory is designed to meet the learning needs of each academic level as outlined below.
Freshmen
The Freshman Year Program involves orientation and adjustment to the high school environment. Students are introduced to the counseling center staff and resources through group guidance sessions and individual interviews. A substantial amount of group guidance time is spent addressing areas that pertain to the student's academic and personal growth. During group guidance and individual meetings with students, a strong emphasis is placed on involvement in the school community through activities such as extracurricular, co-curricular classes, athletics and community service. During weekly Academic Advisory students engage in activities that encourage self reflection as learners, development of four year plan/goals and participate in coursework focusing on Digital Citizenship, Study Skills, Communication, Professionalism, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking. Counselors assist students with course selection and planning for future coursework. Academic and personal counseling is always available as needed and may be initiated by parent/guardian, student, or a teacher.
Sophomores
The Sophomore Year Program focuses on career exploration and post secondary investigation through the online program Choices 360. Through the Choices program sophomore's will begin exploring their interests, related colleges and majors, and potential career opportunities. Sophomore's also continue to learn more about Digital Citizenship, 21st Century Learning Expectations and re-evaluate and revise postsecondary goals. Academic and personal counseling is always available as needed and may be initiated by parent/guardian, student, or a teacher.
Juniors
The Junior Year Program utilizes group guidance sessions to explain and prepare students for the PSAT. Group guidance sessions are also conducted after PSAT results are returned in order to help students analyze their individual test taking strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the SAT. The School Counselors introduce students to My College Quickstart, a website developed by the College Board which helps students research colleges, college majors, college funding opportunities, and careers. My College QuickStart is available for students on any computer with Internet access. Students are introduced to SAT prep resources and individual meetings are conducted in the spring the discuss graduation requirements, senior course selection, and transition planning to life after high school. Academic and personal counseling is always available as needed and may be initiated by parent/guardian, student, or a teacher.
Seniors
The Senior Year Program focuses mainly on the college placement process from September to December. Through Academic Advisory, seniors are provided with an overview of the postsecondary process and counselors use this class to distribute essential college placement related documents and information. Seniors are advised to sit for the October SAT for a second time and the SAT Subject Tests in November or December if necessary. Seniors are required to meet with their counselor at least once during first semester to discuss the college application process, military requirements, or work related options. During the month of November seniors are encouraged to participate in Aspire Higher sessions that provide college application assistance. In December parents and students are invited to attend Financial Aid Night to learn more about FAFSA and navigating the financial aspects of college. Academic and personal counseling is always available as needed and may be initiated by parent/guardian, student, or a teacher.