Scottsdale Prep College Counseling
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony
The mission of Scottsdale Preparatory Academy’s College Counseling Department is to know our students, educate our families, and empower every student to pursue a purposeful next step after graduation.
Through individualized guidance, meaningful exploration, and a collaborative partnership with students, families, faculty, and colleges, we help students understand their strengths, interests, values, and goals and identify opportunities where they can thrive.
We believe college counseling is a multi-year process of exploration, growth, and informed decision-making. Our role is to demystify the college process, provide clear and thoughtful guidance, foster realistic expectations, and equip students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their future with purpose.
Our commitment is to:
- Know and advocate for each student
- Expand students’ understanding of their opportunities
- Provide individualized, accessible, and informed guidance
- Partner closely with families and faculty
- Encourage thoughtful, healthy, and realistic college decisions
- Guide each student toward a college or post-secondary pathway where they can thrive academically, personally, and financially
Meet the College Counseling Team
Meet the Scottsdale Preparatory Academy College Counseling Team! Miss Ware, Ms. Hakanson and Mrs. Bellinghausen. Our college counselors are committed to knowing each student, supporting each family, and providing thoughtful guidance throughout the college exploration and application process. Learn more about our team, their experience, and how they partner with students to navigate college and career planning with confidence, purpose, and realistic expectations.
Meet Us!
SPA Highlights
Through interviews with current students and alumni, the College Counseling team and College Ambassadors showcase the experiences, accomplishments, and journeys of our SPA students. Explore these stories for an inside look at life at Scottsdale Prep and where our students are and where they go next.
Check Out Our Stories
SPA College Credit Opportunities
Scottsdale Prep Students can earn college credit through CLEP, AP Exams, and Dual Enrollment.
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Upcoming Events
Stay connected with Scottsdale Prep’s College Counseling Department! Throughout the year, we offer events, workshops, and opportunities designed to support students and families at every stage of the college planning process. From college exploration and application workshops to parent information nights and student programs, there are many ways to learn, ask questions, and stay informed.
Explore our upcoming events and find opportunities for students, parents, and families to connect with us!
Standardized Test Preparation Resources
Scottsdale Prep provides intentional, grade-level test preparation throughout high school. Students take the ACT Aspire in 9th grade, PreACT and PSAT in 10th grade, and PSAT and ACT in 11th grade. This sequential approach builds familiarity, confidence, and skills over time. Students are encouraged to use official practice resources, identify areas for growth, and choose preparation that fits their goals and learning style.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships Recommended Resources
Explore trusted resources to help make college more affordable. Find information on completing the FAFSA, understanding federal financial aid, exploring WUE tuition savings, and researching scholarships. Students and families will also find helpful scholarship search tools and tips for finding opportunities and meeting deadlines.
Resources Here
Introducing SCOIR
We are excited to launch SCOIR, our new college and career planning platform. SCOIR gives students one centralized place to research colleges, explore careers, build college lists, track applications, and connect with College Counseling. Students can use SCOIR throughout high school, while families gain greater visibility into the process. This transition supports a more streamlined, collaborative, and student-centered college counseling experience.
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