Academic and College Counseling

At Nazareth Academy, our Guidance Department is the cornerstone of student success. Our counselors bring over 100 years of combined experience to the table, offering a personalized approach to high school life that ensures every student can thrive—both in the classroom and beyond graduation.

Comprehensive Support for Every Student

The Guidance Team provides a "whole-person" approach to education. By maintaining a low 1:175 counselor-to-student ratio, we ensure that every student receives the individual attention necessary to achieve their goals. Our mission focuses on:

Academic Excellence: Helping students navigate their course loads and reach their full potential.
College & Career Readiness: With 98% of our graduates attending college, we provide expert mapping for the transition to higher education, from application to enrollment.
Personalized Mentorship: Building strong, supportive relationships that last all four years.

A Collaborative Approach

Our Guidance Department collaborates closely with the Tutoring Center and the Nurse’s Office to provide comprehensive academic and emotional support. Together, these resources reflect Nazareth Academy’s commitment to nurturing the whole student—intellectually, personally, and spiritually.

Personal Attention

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1:175 Counselor-to-Student Ratio

Proven Success

Icon depicting a graduation cap atop a building with columns, representing education and academia.

100% College Acceptance with 98% of graduates attending college.

Meet the Guidance Team

Nazareth’s Guidance Counselors bring over 100 years of total experience to the department, providing support for students to thrive in high school and beyond.

Brendan Green

Director of Guidance

Melissa Byram

Director of College Counseling, Guidance Counselor

Jim Legner

Academic Support Counselor

Kevin Milos

Guidance Counselor, College Advisor

Jennifer Sheehan

Guidance Counselor, College Advisor

Our Guidance Department is intentionally structured to foster meaningful, strong relationships with students and their families throughout all four years of high school. Students remain with the same counselor from freshman through senior year, allowing for the development of a trusted, supportive relationship. This continuity ensures thoughtful guidance in course selection, personal growth, and the college admission process, with individualized attention at every stage.

Brendan Green '02Director of Guidance

The High School Journey

Freshmen

A minimum of five individual meetings between each student and his/her counselor throughout the year
Counselors attend Freshman Orientation, providing an opportunity for introductions and relationship-building from the start
By Labor Day, counselors meet individually with every freshman to begin establishing goals and expectations
Within the first two months of school, counselors conduct a follow-up meeting to support each student’s transition to Nazareth Academy
In fall, counselors meet one-on-one with students to review PSAT 8/9 results and provide feedback
Students and parents receive access to Naviance, our comprehensive college planning platform
At the start of the second semester, counselors guide students through the course selection process for sophomore year
In Spring, counselors meet individually with students to review their ACT practice test results and provide feedback

Sophomores

A minimum of four individual meetings between each student and his/her counselor throughout the year
Each student meets one-on-one with her counselor within the first two months of school to establish goals and review academic progress.
In the fall, students participate in a Naviance training session, gaining valuable tools for college exploration.
Also in the fall, counselors meet individually with students to review and interpret their PSAT, identifying strengths and areas for growth.
In January, counselors provide individualized guidance for junior year course selection, aligning academic choices with long-term goals.
In March, counselors meet with students to discuss their ACT practice test results, offering strategic feedback and preparation guidance.

Juniors

A minimum of four individual meetings between each student and his/her counselor throughout the year
Opportunity to enroll in an on-campus ACT Prep class, providing focused preparation in a familiar environment.
Each fall, approximately 100 college representatives visit campus to meet with juniors and seniors, offering insights and guidance on a wide range of post-secondary options.
Counselors meet individually with students to review and interpret their PSAT/NMSQT results, identifying strengths and areas for growth.
College Kickoff Night and College Fair: students and parents are introduced to the college search process and learn strategies for finding the right fit.
Students and parents receive a comprehensive senior-year calendar, helping them navigate deadlines and milestones for the college application process.
Students have the option to take the reportable ACT on campus, allowing them to test in a comfortable, familiar environment—this is included in tuition.

Rising Seniors

In the spring of junior year through the summer, counselors meet individually with each family for a one-hour personalized college planning session, ensuring tailored guidance for every student’s goals and aspirations.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a college essay writing workshop, with college admissions representatives on hand to provide constructive feedback and insight into the application process.
Letters of recommendation: counselors collaborate with faculty to ensure that each student has the opportunity to secure two teacher recommendations, in addition to a letter from their counselor, supporting a strong and well-rounded college application.

Seniors

Counselors meet consistently with students to guide them through every step of the college application process.
“Common App Fridays” provide weekly opportunities for students to meet with counselors to work on college applications, scholarships, and financial aid forms.
FAFSA Completion Night for Parents: Nazareth partners with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to support families navigating the financial aid process.
Counselors provide personalized support for student-athletes, helping them navigate recruitment and the signing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are counselors assigned?

How often do students meet with their counselors?

What if my student should need assistance outside of Nazareth?

How are academic accommodations handled?

How are courses selected?

Incoming freshmen are placed in classes based upon their 7th and 8th grade report cards as well as their performance on the High School Placement Test. Rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors work with their counselors to find the right fit in courses each school year. Nazareth offers college prep level courses, Honors and AP courses.

Explore Advanced Coursework

Students work directly with their counselor to request any changes in levels from college prep to Honors or AP courses.