Guidance Department Information

High School focuses upon College and Career Readiness for all of our 9^th – 12^th grade students. Our goal is that by the time a student has been through grades 9-11 they will have an insight into themselves: who they are in personality, areas of strength, areas of personal interest, potential majors in college, and potential career paths to pursue. This entire growth process is also centered upon a Christian worldview which supports students not only finding meaningful work, but work that supports Christian values and serves the larger community.

Therefore, our Bible class curriculum, in coordination with the Guidance Department, weaves the strands of college and career readiness together, along with helping students explore and answer the question of what God’s call upon their life might mean for their future. The junior year of our Bible curriculum is when students should experience convergence between what they have learned in class and what lies before them as opportunities to lead a life of significance and meaning, with Jesus as the focus of their life. During their senior year at Horizon, all students must take Economics and Government, which further prepares them to understand and fully participate in their future roles and responsibilities as workers and tax-paying citizens of the United States of America. By the end of their senior year at Horizon, students should have generated their personal plan for post-high school programs, and taken the next step, whether it be going on to college, missions, military service, or entering the labor force.

9^th Grade:  Students take the PSAT which is a practice test for the college entrance exam called the SAT. Students are also tested three times a year with our own test called “MAP,” which stands for “Measuring Academic Progress”. Students meet with their academic advisor, English and math teachers to set goals for academic progress.

10^th Grade:  Students take the PSAT and receive a score that will rank them by percentile, comparing the student to every other sophomore in America who took the same PSAT test. Students are tested three times a year using the “MAP” test and checks for progress are made, with goals set for the remainder of the year. Students may also take the SAT or the ACT exams offered five or six times during the year. By the end of the sophomore year, students should have earned 32 grades and their G.P.A. should be indicating future paths for course selection.

11^th Grade:  Students take the PSAT and if they score in the top 1% nationally, students may be considered for the National Merit Scholarship. Only the junior year PSAT qualifies a student for National Merit Scholar designation. Students are again tested three times with the “MAP” test, and progress checks and goals are administered. During spring of their junior year, all students are encouraged to take either the SAT, ACT or both. Any student who desires to participate in NCAA or NAIA Athletics will need to register with the eligibility center for each of these organizations. A student’s SAT or ACT scores are necessary for establishing athletic eligibility and receiving athletic scholarships. By now a Horizon student should have 48 grades and their cumulative G.P.A. in the core subjects can be determined for eligibility.

12^th Grade:  Students retake the SAT or the ACT exams if necessary to meet college entrance requirements. Students are encouraged to continue taking core classes, such as a fourth year of math and science, along with a second language. During the fall semester of the student’s senior year, the student is checked for graduation credits and final course selection is approved to give students an optimum chance of attending college if that is their post-high school choice. Senior students should meet several times with the Guidance department to discuss college and career options. Students should request recommendation letters from their guidance counselor and teachers. Application deadlines for college/post-high school programs will need careful attention and monitoring. Students may choose to apply to colleges through the common application process and thus apply online.   Not all colleges accept the common application and students need to do their research to meet all requirements and deadlines in prompt fashion. Parents need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application Federal Student Aid) and be ready to mail this form or submit electronically by January 2 of their students' senior year. Most students begin to receive acceptance notices from colleges by April/May of their senior year. Colleges usually require a decision and a deposit of money during the month of May.