Denver Academy College & Transition Counseling

Our Graduates Go Places

At Denver Academy, we strive to assist each student on his or her path to post-secondary success. College and post-secondary preparation are embedded in everything we do from elementary school through senior year. We accomplish this not only through teaching academics but also by helping our students become strong self-advocates.

Overview

Denver Academy's College and Transition Counseling Program equips every student with the skills and knowledge to design a realistic post-secondary plan that aligns with their strengths and interests. This discussion begins in 9th Grade to ensure students have the time and tools necessary. Our College and Transition Counseling professionals provide guidance in selecting and applying to colleges and other post-secondary options. Students receive support in college essay writing and editing, requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, and exploring scholarship opportunities.

While 80-90% of our graduates matriculate annually to a four-year college or university, we understand college isn’t the path for everyone. DA students can explore varied post-secondary options, including entering the workforce, embarking on a military service career, taking a gap year, or enrolling in vocational or technical school. DA's College and Transition Counseling services are provided for students as part of their tuition.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Scope & Sequence

Our College and Transition curriculum is holistic and developmental in nature. We support academic preparedness and believe that social and life skills must be thoroughly developed. Our annual post-secondary education programs begin in 9th Grade, and a highly structured curriculum is taught in grades 11 and 12. Each student develops an understanding of their own strengths and learning styles, resulting in lifelong self-advocacy skills. For a complete timeline of the College & Transition Counseling Program, please read our Scope & Sequence.
The Process

Through close relationships with College & Transition counselors, Denver Academy students are able to successfully navigate and actively choose a post-secondary path that best matches their interests, strengths, and learning needs. We begin meeting individually with students in the spring of their junior year and will meet four times in hour-long conversations to identify the best post-secondary path for each student. Meetings involve the student, parent(s), and the College & Transition Counselor.
Standardized Testing: Accommodations

Accommodations
Many students benefit from receiving accommodations on standardized tests. These accommodations can come in the form of extra time, testing over multiple days, the use of a computer for the writing portion, and having someone read the questions out loud. Need help? Read our step-by-step overview of how to apply for accommodations on the ACT or SAT.

SCOIR

The College & Transition Counseling Team uses SCOIR to support the post-secondary search and application process.

SCOIR is a solution for students, parents, counselors, and colleges focused on finding the right fit through a unified college search and planning network. Contact Ms. House for help with accessing your account.

SCOIR Website

Information for College Admissions Representatives

Please consult our calendar on the SCOIR site here to set up a visit to the Denver Academy campus.

Proud Members of:

Colorado Council on High School/College Relations (CCHS/CR)

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

Rocky Mountain Association of College & Admission Counseling (RMACAC)

Meet the Team

List of 5 members.

Sara House

Director of College & Transition Counseling

Bio
Ms. House returns to Denver Academy after her previous tenure as a teacher in the high school division from 2000 to 2006 during which time she was the faculty representative for Student Senate, National Honor Society, Experiential Education, and was even named Teacher of the Year! Sara has a master’s degree in special education and has been an educator for 23 years. Since leaving DA, she has been an independent consultant for high school and college students specializing in executive function coaching, academic advocacy in the public sector, and college counseling.
Wendi Gorelik

High School Junior Seminar Teacher

Bio
Mrs. Gorelik returns to Denver Academy as a high school teacher and member of the College and Transition Counseling Team. Previously she taught in the Progressive and Prep High Schools from 1998 to 2009 before teaching math in higher education for the past 10 years. Mrs. Gorelik was also a college counselor and educational consultant during that time. A Colorado native and mother to two teenagers, Mrs. Gorelik stays busy with family and friends while enjoying music, fitness, and traveling.
Aurora Umana-Arko

Director of College & Transition Counseling

Bio
With 27 years of experience as a public school educator, Aurora Umana-Arko is excited to join Denver Academy this year. Over her career, Aurora wore many hats: high school English teacher; yearbook, newspaper, and journalism teacher; reading teacher and literacy specialist; school counselor; assessment facilitator; high school principal; and GED program specialist.

Outside of education, Aurora also worked as an EMDR-trained trauma counselor.

Aurora enjoys writing, reading, talking about all things college- and career-oriented, and working with young people. As the new teacher of Senior Seminar, she gets to meld everything she loves the most (besides her family) into one job!

Aurora earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in school counseling from Adams State University.
Monet Duhamel

Assistant to 12th Grade/College & Transition Counseling
Casie Myers

ACT Special Testing & Accommodations Coordinator, Program Development Assistant, 11th Exec Assistant

Bio
Ms. Myers began her journey at Denver Academy in the middle school and seasonal programs. As part of the College & Transition Counseling team she looks forward to helping high school students with their continuing journey in life. She served as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Micronesia and has facilitated study abroad programs for students at the SIT Graduate Institute and Willamette University.

Casie earned her B.A. in German language & literature from the University of Oregon.