Counseling & College Planning
Guiding Students from Foundation to Future
Students grow in character development and strategic college discernment, because of Minnehaha’s dedicated counseling team. Throughout every stage of their development, students are supported by a counseling team that partners with families. The ratio of students to counselors allows us to wrap around each child and get to know them as individuals.
Choosing a school means choosing how your child will be guided.
Meet our counseling team, learn how we guide students through each step, and see how Minnehaha prepares students for what comes next.
A Roadmap from Preschool-Grade 12
Strong Foundations
Identity & Responsibility
Strategic Decisions
College
Prep
What Makes Counseling at Minnehaha Academy Distinct?
Our counseling team walks alongside students—guiding academic decisions, developing insights, and helping each student prepare for life beyond Minnehaha.
Expert Counselors
"Most prep schools separate mental health and college counseling, with students meeting their college counselor junior year. Because we know students from 9th grade—their struggles, strengths, and stories—we can make informed college recommendations in junior year within real context, and students feel safe with us." - Christine Paton, MA Counselor
Strategic Academic Guidance
Students receive tailored academic recommendations in their coursework and month by month college guidance starting in grade 8.
Social Emotional Learning
From kindergarten to grade 12, social-emotional curriculum is intentionally woven into the school week.
Caring for the Whole Student—Proactively
Screening and thoughtful early intervention process to monitor well-being, just like we monitor reading and math.
Students are Known and Visible
"Every student comes to us with a unique set of strengths, interests, values, and goals, and our work begins with getting to know them." – Lizzie Hanson, MA Counselor
Why This Approach Matters
- Proactive Social-Emotional Formation & Data-Informed Practices
- Dedicated, Expert Counselors
- Strong Family Partnerships
- Faith & Identity
- Developmental Approach that Fosters Belonging
- Comprehensive, Step-by-Step College Preparation
Proactive Social-Emotional Formation & Data-Informed Practices
Dedicated, Expert Counselors
Strong Family Partnerships
Faith & Identity
Developmental Approach that Fosters Belonging
Comprehensive, Step-by-Step College Preparation
See how students are guided toward their future.
The best way to understand Minnehaha's college planning process is to meet our team, hear how students are supported, and see how preparation unfolds over time.
Minnehaha Academy Outcomes
Students at Minnehaha Academy find success in many ways because their unique personalities, talents, and skills are identified and encouraged by a caring team of adults.
Multiple students offered full-ride, merit-based scholarships
93 national academic awards won by students
100% of students take at least one AP class before graduation
78 seniors took 168 AP exams, 77% earned a 3 or higher
649 potential college credits earned before graduation
96 graduates matriculated to colleges in 25 states
Helping Students Prepare for What's Next
Our counseling team designs intentional experiences that help students understand their strengths, explore future pathways, and prepare for life beyond Minnehaha.
Exploring Careers: 8th Grade Job Shadow Experience
Career Day connects learning to life beyond the classroom. During this off-site job shadow experience, students observe a professional’s daily work, engage with colleagues, and ask thoughtful questions.
By documenting their experience, students develop a deeper understanding of career pathways and how their education prepares them for what’s ahead.
College Workshop Week for Seniors
College Workshop Week provides seniors with dedicated time and support to complete the college application process.
Students receive essay coaching, finalize applications, and hear from alumni, college admission representatives, and a guest speaker on interview skills. Each component is designed to provide practical guidance and insight.
By the end of the week, students are better prepared to navigate the application process with confidence and purpose.
Discovering Strengths: 11th Grade Student Workshop
Juniors spend the morning with Dr. Steve Gahagen of Play to Your Strengths, taking a deeper look at their StrengthsFinder results and how their unique gifts shape who they are becoming.
Through guided conversation and reflection, students explored how their strengths show up in everyday life, relationships, and leadership. They gained practical insight into how their individual talents can work together and how greater self-awareness can impact their future decisions.
“I learned that I’m very disciplined and consistent, and that really helps me accomplish everyday activities and get things done. I feel like I understand myself better now. I’m happy I did this.” -Desmond
From Minnehaha to College: Alumni Panel
Each year, Minnehaha alumni return after their first year of college to share their experiences with current seniors.
Through a panel conversation, students gain insight into the college application process, academic expectations, and what daily life is like on campus. Hearing directly from recent graduates provides a relevant and honest perspective, helping students better understand how to prepare for the transition ahead.
Meet the Counseling Team
At every division, our counselors know students personally and walk alongside them through each stage of growth. Our counselors have master’s-level training and a deep commitment to caring for each student as an individual as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Explore what this kind of guidance looks like for your child.
The best way to understand Minnehaha's approach to counseling and college planning is to visit campus, meet our team, and see how students are supported throughout their journey.