College Guidance
College Guidance
College Guidance
The purpose of the College Guidance program at Grace Community School is to aid students in planning and preparing for their education beyond high school. The guidance curriculum is rooted in a biblical worldview and is consistent with the school’s mission of assisting Christian families in educating, equipping, and encouraging their children to influence the world for Christ.
100% of the class of 2016 was accepted into college and received over $3.5 million dollars in scholarships, averaging $60,000 per student. This year, Grace has 2 National Merit Semifinalists. These numbers continue to be the norm at Grace where our excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts stands out in the college application process.
Million $ in Scholarship Offers
National Merit Finalists
%
2016 Class Accepted into College
College Guidance Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We believe every student is carefully and lovingly created by God with a unique set of gifts, abilities, passions, and interests (Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:4-8), which can have a significant effect on his or her choice of education and career path, and it is possible, and even probable, for students to begin identifying this uniqueness while in high school. We believe all productive work is good and pleasing to the Lord in that it builds the Kingdom of God on earth and promotes human flourishing (Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Jeremiah 29:7). In that sense, no distinction exists between sacred and secular careers because all can bring glory to God (Colossians 3:17, 23-24). When students are able to find vocations that match their God-given skills and interests, it usually results in careers that are successful, effective, and rewarding. We also believe education is a gift from God, which He uses to develop our personal sanctification, expand our sphere of influence, and refine our effectiveness for His Kingdom (Proverbs 3:13-18, 4:1-10, 15:14, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 2:3,8). We reject the idea that education is a passport to privilege, and instead, we encourage students to become lifelong learners for the glory of God.
Our Goals
Our Plan
We have developed a comprehensive four-year curriculum to guide our work with students and their families and to help achieve these goals. We will assist families in identifying each student’s individual gifts and abilities, developing ideas for potential career paths, and establishing appropriate educational goals through a variety of activities and resources, including recommended reading with guided reflection; personality, career, and aptitude assessments; career exploration tools and programs; and individual college tours. We will educate students on the college application procedures and timeline, directing them through the process and assisting them upon request. Throughout the four-year journey, we expect parents to actively engage in their child’s future planning and to take the initiative in learning about educational options, and we require students to serve as the sole authors of all applications, essays, and supporting documentation. We will also take every opportunity to encourage students in their individual journeys and celebrate with them as they embrace their uniqueness, pursue their dreams, find their calling, and commit all their work to the Lord.
As your guidance counselors, we are honored to walk this journey with each family and count it a privilege to serve our Lord by serving you. Please contact us anytime you need assistance.
Ninth Grade
This is the year to dream big! As a freshman, high school is new and exciting; it holds endless possibilities. In the college guidance office, we encourage ninth grade students to discover their God-given gifts and talents, to try new extra-curricular activities, and adapt to learning at the high school level. This is the student’s opportunity to learn how to learn. There will be a time of transition and growth, but students should not be afraid of failure because great lessons can be acquired through making mistakes and improving oneself.
During the freshman year, the guidance office will introduce Naviance Family Connection, a web-based college and career readiness program available to every Grace student. Using Family Connection, we will administer assessments to discover each student’s learning style and multiple intelligences. We will also research colleges and careers while dreaming of the future.
Tenth Grade
Sophomore year is the time for each and every student to develop the gifts and talents given by God. This is a year to know yourself and know your strengths. With drive and determination, students can improve on the academic and extra-curricular foundations they began freshman year.
The guidance office will provide parameters to direct tenth grade students as the continue to dream and plan for the future. We will administer a personality profile called, “Do What You Are” using Family Connection. This assessment links careers, majors, and colleges with each student’s personality type, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Developing and applying these strengths throughout the sophomore year will help students build confidence and be successful in their school activities.
Eleventh Grade
As upperclassmen, juniors need to create depth in their classes, extra-curricular activities, and college preparation. Since most students will apply for college before December of the senior year, this will be the last year to improve their high school grade average. Eleventh grade is the year to dedicate oneself to improving grades, to assume leadership roles in extra-curricular activities, and to serve in the school and the community. Taking on more leadership roles and responsibility is important for juniors who want to distinguish themselves from the crowd, and all juniors will focus their efforts on admissions testing and college research.
In the guidance office, we provide resources for test prep as well as college research. Whether it’s the ACT/SAT, college fairs or college visits, we are excited to help students grow in knowledge and preparedness as they go deeper this school year.
Twelfth Grade
Senior year has finally arrived! This is the year to deploy the God-given gifts and talents the students have been working to discover, develop, and deepen over their high school career. The school year will be busy with completing applications, writing essays, visiting campuses, and searching for scholarships. It’s also important for every student to follow through with school commitments and finish the year strong. After four years of dreaming of all the great possibilities the future holds, every student will have to make a decision about what to do after graduation. The guidance office understands the weight of this decision, and we are here to help in any way possible.
College Guidance Resources
Forms & Guides
Research
- www.bigfuture.org (Step-by-step college planning site from College Board)
- www.myblueprintstory.com (Learn about Christian colleges and universities all over North America)
- www.collegeforalltexans.com (Interactive college planning website specific to Texas)
- www.youniversitytv.com (Video campus tours from around the nation)
- www.whatwilltheylearn.com (Free guide to what college rankings don’t tell you)
- www.princetonreview.com (Excellent site for college research and rankings, career search, test prep, and scholarships)
- www.college.gov (College planning information from the Department of Education)
- www.cappex.com (College search, reviews, and scholarships)
Money for College
- www.studentaid.ed.gov (Department of Education home page for federal student aid)
- http://collegecost.ed.gov (College tuition costs & affordability)
- www.fafsa.gov (Instructions for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- National Scholarship Search in Family Connection or www.myscholly.com (Both of these scholarship search tools create a custom list of scholarships based on your preferences and both will protect your privacy and not generate spam)
- www.etcf.org (East Texas Communities Foundation is a local organization that manages over 35 different scholarship programs.)
- www.weirdscholarships.net (Independent listing of unique scholarship programs around the country. No personal information is taken.)
- www.legion.org/needalift/ (Online resource book created by the American Legion that lists scholarship programs and offers financial aid assistance)
- www.fastweb.com or www.scholarships.com (Nationwide scholarship search engines)
Testing & Prep
- www.actstudent.org (Register for the ACT, check or send scores, and prepare for the test)
- www.collegeboard.org (Register for the SAT, check or send scores, and prepare for the test)
- www.kaplanatschool.com/tylerschools (Customized listing of upcoming courses and programs offered in Tyler by Kaplan Test Prep)
Athletics
- www.eligibilitycenter.org (Information and registration for prospective NCAA student-athletes)
- www.playnaia.org (Information and registration for prospective NAIA student-athletes)
- www.playced.com (College matching service for prospective college athletes)
College Guidance News
Grace Senior Aaron Seto Named National Merit Semifinalist
Community School is proud to announce Senior Aaron Seto was named as a National Merit Semifinalist. Seto now has the opportunity to be included among the elite group of National Merit Scholars. Seto has been a student at Grace since JrK. Throughout his time at Grace...
Jay Blogs – Love Lavishly
Love is perhaps the most overused word in the English language, the most powerful force in the universe, our most desperate need, and yet the quality the world needs most right now. Our theme this school year is “love lavishly.” And, I love that the Lord gave us this...
Grace Seniors Selected for Texas Bank and Trust Student Board of Directors
Texas Bank and Trust selected 16 seniors from Grace Community High School to serve on its 2021-2022 Student Board of Directors. The TB&T Student Board is a prestigious program recognizing outstanding high school seniors in the community. Seniors Macy Adams, Luke...
Our Team

Kelley Bell
Director of College Guidance

November Roberts
College Guidance Counselor

Karen Cannon
High School Registrar