Scottsdale Preparatory Academy’s College Counseling Department provides every student and family with thoughtful, individualized, and accessible guidance throughout the college exploration and admissions process. We seek to demystify an increasingly complex process by providing clear information, realistic expectations, and meaningful support that empowers students to make informed decisions about their future.

Our approach is student-centered, developmental, collaborative, and data-informed. College counseling support is not a one-time event, but a multi-year process that begins Freshmen year with exploration and self-discovery, develops through intentional college and career research, and culminates in a thoughtful application and transition process. Through classroom curriculum, individual meetings, family conversations, workshops, communications, and college resources, we equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify colleges and opportunities that align with their academic interests, personal goals, values, and financial circumstances.

We believe effective college counseling requires a strong partnership among students, families, faculty, and colleges. Our department maintains a visible and accessible presence on campus, provides consistent communication and resources, and collaborates as a team to ensure students receive coordinated, timely, and knowledgeable support. We help families navigate the college application process with realistic and healthy expectations, emphasizing that a successful college outcome is defined not simply by admission to a particular institution, but by finding an environment in which a student can thrive academically, personally, and financially.

Ultimately, Scottsdale Prep’s College Counseling Department exists to know our students, educate our families, expand students’ understanding of their opportunities, and guide each student toward a purposeful next step after graduation.

Miss Monica Ware: Lead College Counselor: MWare@scottsdaleprep.org

Miss Ware is beginning her fourth year at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy and her eighth school year in the Great Hearts network. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and her Master’s degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Higher Education and over 15 years of experience in higher education. Before joining Great Hearts, she worked in college admissions and career services, including serving as an application reader for UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco. She is passionate about helping students discover pathways that are the right fit and navigate the admissions process with confidence. During the summer, she volunteers at the American Church in Paris, where she supports outreach and community engagement programs.