College Preparation

Every YWLA student is expected to attend and graduate from a four-year college or university. We provide a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that is focused on math, science and technology –fields typically underrepresented by women. To prepare our young women for high levels of success in college, we provide support services like a college bound advisor, summer camps, tutorials, SAT/AP prep camps and much more. Our college bound advisor will continue to be available to our graduates throughout their college years.

College Preparatory Curriculum
In the middle school program, students will have an accelerated curriculum that requires great discipline and effective study habits. In the high school program, students take Pre-Advanced Placement classes to prepare for the challenging Advanced Placement courses that are offered starting in the 9th grade. With a strong academic foundation in place, the girls are encouraged to take rigorous Advanced Placement exams, which could earn them college credit if they achieve an acceptable passing score. We are an AVID school that emphasizes Cornell note taking, Socratic seminars, and higher level inquiry skills in all our classrooms.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
AVID is a college readiness system whose proven methodologies and strategies are integrated into schoolwide classroom instruction. College readiness is a driving expectation at YWLA. The AVID program teaches our students organizational strategies, note-taking skills, study-group activities and provides college tutors for academic support. In addition, students make at least one college visit per year and hear from guest speakers who help them begin to clearly identify college and career goals.

College and Career Counseling
YWLA is committed to providing students and parents with the tools necessary to meet college-entry requirements and to graduate from a four-year college or university. A full-time college and career counselor is available to work with students and their parents. In addition, students and parents participate in college planning and preparation sessions and are encouraged to utilize the school’s College and Career Center (CCC) for exploration and development. Parents are invited to participate in the Parent University information sessions that are held quarterly throughout the year. Parents have the opportunity to learn from professionals in the fields of financial aid, college admissions, academic prep programs, and summer internships.