The Burlington School is a college preparatory school, meaning we educate with intent to prepare every student for success in higher education. Our philosophy is that it’s never too early to start preparing for college. From setting high behavior standards and participating in service activities, to saving money and considering various career paths, students at The Burlington School are forward-thinking individuals who are energized by the opportunities that await them upon graduation.

The College Counseling Center

Our College Counseling Center is a valuable resource for students and families alike. Our knowledgeable counselor provides regular guidance to students in our Upper School, equipping them for the college search, admissions process and beyond. Finding the right college fit is extremely important, but often requires a great deal of time and support. In addition to advocating for our students, we empower them to take their future into their own hands, considering the myriad of opportunities available.

Grade-By-Grade Support

8th Grade:

Students are challenged to maintain high academic performance, especially across core subject areas such as English, math, science and history. Exploring various interests through extracurricular activities is also important. Students and their families are encouraged to start a college savings plan as early as possible.

College Counseling/Social Media Workshop –

In an interactive presentation, students identify the core components that make up the application process and gather the necessary information to make informed decisions heading into high school. Students realize that all social media behavior is a direct reflection on their personal brand. 

9th Grade:

The beginning of high school is a great time to delve into academic areas of interest, extracurricular activities and community service. Students should start thinking about advanced courses that may help them become more competitive in college admissions.

• It is never too early to begin visiting colleges.

• Students will take the Pre-ACT at TBS.

• Students will start building their resume.

• We emphasize a focus on GPA as this is the first year represented on a student's transcript.

10th Grade:

Standardized tests for college admission such as the SAT and ACT are right around the corner, so signing up for practice exams is encouraged. Students should focus tightly on maintaining high academic marks, and create a list of colleges and career paths that interest them.

• Students should attend college representative visits at TBS.

• Students will take the PSAT at TBS.

• Test Prep begins! Students will continue to focus on GPA and extracurricular activities to build their resume. 

• Choose your junior year courses wisely (AP offerings).

11th Grade:

College prep is now in high gear. Students will partake in college tours during the fall class trip, draft essays to practice for college applications, participate in workshops within advisory periods and start narrowing down their list of college options. All juniors will attend the Alamance County Schools College Fair and will learn about how to conduct their own college search.

• Students will take the PSAT at TBS.

• Students should register to take the SAT or ACT.

• Finalize your college list and register for campus tours.

• Consider Collegiate Start courses at Elon for your senior year.

• Consider taking AP courses and exams.

• Attend college representative visits at TBS.

• Hold individual meetings with the Director of College Counseling.

12th Grade:

Before the school year even begins, students will have workdays to start their applications with the assistance of our Director of College Counseling. Between individual meetings, workshops and parent programming, seniors and their families will be set with the tools they need to complete the process. It’s the end of one journey and the beginning of another!

• Students should take SAT or ACT again, if needed.

• Seniors will begin application to colleges.

• Start to investigate and apply for scholarship opportunities.

• Make sure to submit FAFSA/Financial Aid information.

• Solidify your college decision by May 1.

Learn More about The Burlington School

Our college prep emphasis affects how we teach, mentor and encourage students, giving them the tools and knowledge to be future-minded from an early age. If you’d like to learn more about our unique learning environment, contact us today.