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 Mrs. Umana 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)

DA's College & Transition Counseling Team

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Meet the Team

List of 5 members.

Aurora Umana-Arko

Director of College & Transition Counseling

Bio
Aurora is an experienced high school counselor, CTE director, and a National Board-Certified Teacher of English Language Arts in Adolescence and Young Adulthood. She established and ran a successful early college high school and career pathways program, and she's excited to turn her focus to running the College & Transition Counseling program at Denver Academy.

Aurora earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in School Counseling from Adams State University. Additionally, she earned her Colorado School Principal’s License from Western State University.

In her spare time, Aurora enjoys reading and writing poetry and prose.
Amethyst King

Senior Seminar Teacher

Bio
Amethyst holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in education from Columbia University and a Master of Science in Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania. While completing her master’s degree, Amethyst taught history courses and then took her newfound knowledge across the world with a project-based, international traveling high school. Ms. King led the academic writing program and developed new units in different countries including storytelling in Botswana, architecture in Mexico, and robotics in Dubai.
Monet Duhamel

Assistant to 12th Grade/College & Transition Counseling

Bio
A native of Denver, Monet Duhamel is an enthusiastic assistant who works with the 12th-grade team and the College & Transition Counseling Team. She holds a B.S. in Business Management Consulting from the University of Wyoming; a Master's of Business Analytics from Ohio University; a professional certificate in Coordinating A Dynamic Post-Secondary School Counseling Program (NACAC); and is currently working toward receiving her College Counseling Certificate from UCLA. Eager to embark on a new journey exploring the world of college counseling, Monet is looking forward to making a positive impact on the lives of aspiring students. Beyond her professional endeavors, Monet's passions lie in building intricate Lego sets and immersing herself in the world of music by attending every concert she can.
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.
Diane Berry

Assistant to High School Head, Registrar

Bio
After more than 20 years as a teacher in early childhood education in Florida and Colorado, as well as five years as the office manager at Colorado Academy Summer Programs, Diane Berry joined Denver Academy in 2018 as the Assistant to the Head of High School and Registrar. In addition to her daily responsibilities, Diane also coordinates the DA graduation ceremony as well as other special events held at DA. She was awarded DA Staff of the Year in 2020.