Academic, emotional, and developmental support is provided to students throughout their years at Commonwealth Academy through a counselor, college counselor, and faculty advisor. SAT/ACT preparation is part of our standard curriculum and these tests are administered on premises for our students who qualify for specialized accommodations. Private-pay therapeutic services can also be arranged on-site.

School Counselor
Our full-time school counselor is active in the lives of students and parents. With a masters in social work she works directly with students and supervises interns from area colleges. In addition to supporting students emotional or developmental needs, our counselor builds programs to develop teamwork and other social skills. She works closely with our college counselor to help prepare students for post-secondary education, field trips to local universities, and visits from colleges to help familiarize students with campus activities and adaptive learning technology used in higher education. We organize speakers to discuss substance abuse and other topics of importance to teenagers, and often use mixed media presentations to inform parents about ADHD and other relevant issues.

College Counseling
Our college counselor, in tandem with our school counselor, consults with 11th and 12th grade students to assist in securing information and making decisions about higher education. Both individual and group meetings are scheduled throughout the year to discuss academic planning, meeting college entrance requirements, and interpreting test results. Life skills required in college are also reviewed and discussed as part of a semester-long college success program to help ensure the transition is a smooth one.

Faculty Advisors
The advisor system at Commonwealth Academy is very much a reflection of us as a school and what we value. Each student is assigned to an advisor with whom he or she works closely during the entire academic year. Advisors serve as a student’s advocate and the primary liaison between home and school. Advisors communicate with their students’ parents and collaborate with counselors, faculty, and staff to help students find success and satisfaction during their school career.

Advisors meet with their students on a daily basis, supporting the acquisition of organizational skills and study skills. They review the bi-weekly reports with their students and discuss areas of strengths, as well as those causing anxiety or of concern.

SAT/ACT Preparation
Students who plan to attend a four-year college are required to take a class in SAT/ACT preparation. The class counts for one credit toward graduation; more importantly, it relieves much of the anxiety that often accompanies these tests. Formats are reviewed, sample questions practiced and timing expectations discussed. Commonwealth also administers these tests on premises to students who qualify for specialized accommodations such as 100% extra time, multiple day testing, or large block lettering; being on familiar ground is a great advantage during these assessments.

Therapy Services
Private pay therapists are available to work with students on-site. Therapists exchange information with their clients’ teachers to provide cross-support and often incorporate current lessons in their work.