College Prep

When your child joins Steward — as a Lower, Middle, or Upper Schooler — they join a school that prepares students for the future. With an eight-to-one student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 12, Steward is a community in which all voices are valued. Our core values (academic achievement, care & respect, civil discourse, individuality, innovation, and inspiration) inform all that we do inside and outside the classroom. 

At the heart of Steward is our mission: to prepare students for college and for life. Spartans are lifelong learners and change-makers who take an active role in shaping the future. 

College readiness is an integral part of the Steward experience. We are proud that 100% of our graduates are offered admission to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, nearly 100% of Steward’s graduates are offered admission to a top-choice college or university.  

As an example of our commitment to preparing students for life beyond Steward, we share here some information about the 69 members of the Class of 2025. These Spartans:  

Beginning in their freshman year, Upper Schoolers meet with members of the College Counseling team in preparation for the college admissions process; in addition, families are welcome to meet with the counselors at any time during their students’ education. Director of College Counseling Heather Jeter and the rest of the team (Khadijah Luqman, associate director; Melissa Calkins, associate director; and Braeden Glancy ’15, administrative assistant) guide students through the entire process. Selecting a “best fit” college is a priority for the office and an essential part of Steward's goal to equip students with the skills they’ll need as they enter adulthood. 

Ms. Jeter said, “Our team works one-on-one with students, helping them make informed choices about their course selections at Steward. We hold individual meetings with students and their families to discuss standardized testing opportunities, the ins and outs of the application process, and the importance of crafting a well-written college application essay. We mentor students on how to confidently step into the college application process, and we are always here for guidance.”

The overnight college tour, which takes place in the fall of the junior year, is a hands-on way for students to see what college life is like. Juniors visit a variety of school types — public and private, small and large, urban and rural — over two fast-paced days. In 2024, the Class of 2026 toured campuses, participated in Q&A sessions with admissions counselors, and visited with Steward alumni during tours and meals in dining halls. After visiting each school, students evaluated how they felt about school size, distance from home, setting, and other qualities that make up their ideal type of school. 

“This evaluation is so important,” said Ms. Jeter. “Students reflect on and work to hone their college preferences. It’s a remarkably valuable experience.” 

Ella Grace Sanders ’26 said the tours were tremendously helpful. 

“I was able to see many different college campuses and find out what I like in college, but more importantly, what I don't want in a school,” she shared. 

Each fall, all Upper Schoolers are invited to meet with college representatives who visit the Steward campus. In all, professionals from approximately 100 colleges come to Steward each year. The reps give a brief presentation about the school and its admissions process, and students can ask questions. 

Talking to college reps solidified Ella Grace’s “must-haves” for college. 

 

“I used this time to ask questions, which helped me narrow down my top college choices,” she said. “I love a college with high academic standards and lots of diversity. Plus, specific majors and clubs that colleges offer are important to me.” 

Lilly Thoman ’26, who is interested in studying the social sciences in college, liked that the college admissions representatives were “open about both the positives and challenges of their schools, which gave me a more realistic perspective. Hearing about their favorite aspects made each school feel more relatable and less like a brochure.” 

Read our College Counseling Guide and discover what sets Steward apart, including our entrepreneurship and leadership programs, which feature real-world training. Spartans can also explore the wider world through travel opportunities; in 2026, students can travel to Peru or the Dominican Republic during our popular Minimester session. Steward also boasts top-notch athletic and arts programs. In the College Counseling Guide, you’ll also see lots of blue-and-gold pride on display in our alumni, who share how Steward helped prepare them for college and career. 

Ella Grace noted, “The College Counseling team has helped make my college application process smoother and less stressful. The team makes sure I am putting my best foot forward and positioning myself to be successful in the future.” Lilly said, “The College Counseling office has helped me feel more confident in finding the right college fit. They provide opportunities that many other high school students don’t have access to, which has been a huge advantage. For example, in applying to the United States Military Academy, Ms. Jeter assisted me with tasks I needed to check off, essays I needed to tune up, and deadlines I must meet.”