Planning for the Future
Graduation is the culmination of each student’s high school journey. The challenging educational experience offered by the Saddlebrook Prep faculty provides the tools that are needed for collegiate studies. The college counseling process, which begins in the student’s freshman year, prepares student-athletes for the challenges of college recruitment, applications and admissions, and selection of the “perfect fit” college or university.
College and Career Advisor
Saddlebrook Preparatory School’s College and Career Advisor is involved in college preparation, career planning and scholarship application activities for students pursuing academic and athletic goals. The advisor engages collaboratively with parents, teachers, administration, and coaches in assisting students as they navigate the requirements of individual universities.
College Admissions Processes
The College and Career Advisor assists in coordinating campus visits to colleges and universities and contacts athletic coaches recruiting for their programs. Students interested in pursuing scholarships and financial aid attend workshops geared toward the application process. In addition, students are advised of the college entrance exam requirements and the procedures for registering for tests such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, PLAN and/or TOEFL. The College and Career Advisor and the administrative team assist student-athletes with registering for the NCAA Eligibility Center, assesses eligibility compliance, and counsels them to ensure that necessary procedures are followed.
College Preparation and Student Ability
Students entering Saddlebrook Prep are enrolled in traditional college preparatory courses contingent upon the classes previously completed at other high schools. Exceptions to this occur with international students who may need to participate in ESOL classes. Testing indicators such as standardized assessments, as well as previously earned grades, are considered in course level placement.
Course Tracking
One of the key roles of the Saddlebrook administrative team is to track each student’s progress through required course loads. In the event a student is “off-track,” due to discrepancies in course credit from a previous school, a student’s need for ESOL classes, or out-of-sequence courses, administration works with parents and students to ensure that the student graduates on time with their class.
Standardized Testing
Students in the 9th, 10th and 11th grade participate in the PSAT in October on campus. The exam provides diagnostic indicators to the student, parent and school staff concerning areas of weakness before registration for the SAT and ACT tests. In addition, high scores on the PSAT tests may provide the basis for financial assistance through scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship program.
Students are encouraged to complete SAT preparation offered by the College Board and Khan Academy during the fall semester of their junior year. All 11th grade students are required to take the SAT School Day exam each spring. The exam is the same as the traditional SAT exam, but is offered on our campus during the regular school day, instead of at another school’s site on a Saturday. The SAT School Day is optional for 9th and 10th grade students.
