Cracking the College Code: Helping Your Teen Stand Out While Still in High School

As a parent, you know that college success isn’t left to chance. It’s shaped by pivotal moments during high school:

• Embracing challenges with resilience.
• Exploring new interests that spark passion and purpose.
• Building meaningful connections that influence their growth.
• And leaning on their faith in God to navigate what lies ahead.

With every step they take, they’re crafting a story that will one day capture the attention of college admissions teams. But the key to unlocking that success lies in being intentional.

At Eastern Christian School, we believe every student has a story worth telling. As a private Christian high school, our role is to help your teen shape their high school journey with passion and purpose so that when the time comes to apply to college, they’ll be prepared to serve and lead for God’s glory.

Below, see how we work hand in hand with you to guide your teen’s academic journey, character development, and faith formation.

An Academic Journey That’s Personalized

Every parent wants their teen to be academically prepared, but success isn’t measured by how many AP courses they take or how long they spend studying. It’s about finding the right balance between challenge and discovery, a place where students push their limits without losing sight of what excites them.

That’s where Eastern Christian School’s individualized academic support comes in. Our students are guided in choosing classes that make sense for their abilities, interests, and long-term goals. Through programs such as the Honors Academy and Work Internship Program (WINGS), they’re preparing for real-world experiences that will set them apart.

Jadyn’s Journey: Finding Confidence Through Mentorship

For Jadyn, one of our high school students, this season of life was a time of self-discovery where she began to understand who she wanted to become. At EC, teachers and counselors mentored her, offering guidance and opportunities to grow in ways she hadn’t imagined. 

Reflecting on her journey, Jadyn shared, “I feel 100% prepared to graduate and step into this next chapter of my life, all because of the help and facilitation of the ACC and my wonderful college counselor.” By graduation, she was ready to embark on her college journey, confident and prepared.

The Power of Meaningful Involvement

When it comes to extracurriculars, depth matters more than breadth. Colleges aren’t impressed by students who dabble in everything — they want to see authentic engagement and leadership. 

At Eastern Christian High School, we help students focus on activities that inspire them, whether they’re leading a service project, performing on stage, or training for a championship game.

A Parent’s View: How Extracurriculars Shaped Daniel’s Children

For Daniel Onove’s children, involvement in Eastern Christian School’s extracurricular programs helped develop their talents, leadership, and character. From athletics and drama to technology and service projects, they had access to opportunities to explore their interests.

“EC provides a rigorous academic environment with a caring, competent staff. It is small enough to present a family atmosphere and yet large enough to offer a full range of extracurricular activities in the areas of athletics, drama, and technology,”

– Daniel Onove

This balance between support and opportunity is at the heart of our approach: give students the tools to discover what they love, and they’ll build upon those experiences to shape their future.
 

A Support System That’s Always One Step Ahead

The college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but your teen doesn’t have to navigate it alone. At EC, we provide personalized college counseling from day one, ensuring that students are supported at every turn — from selecting the right courses to writing application essays.

Our Academic and College Counseling (ACC) team goes beyond the basics of application support. They take the time to know each student personally, understanding their strengths, aspirations, and challenges. This approach helps connect students with colleges that align not only with their academic goals but also with their sense of community and values.

What We Believe: Success isn’t defined by getting into the most prestigious school. It’s about finding the college where your teen will grow, belong, and make an impact.