Sparhawk School is based on the principles of "Respect for children and trust in their inherent enthusiasm for learning." These principles are the core values guiding our College Counseling Program. Teachers and Advisors work as a team with the College Counselor from the moment a student starts at Sparhawk to help ensure they choose an appropriately challenging class schedule and advise about extracurricular activities, all of which play an integral part in the college admission process.
Students are enrolled in our extensive and highly personalized College Readiness Course in their junior and senior year. The college search process is one that is ripe with opportunity for self-discovery and growth. We encourage students to identify their strengths and interests and to develop skills of self-advocacy and independence. This program helps each student uncover the best possible match between their personal and academic aspirations and the vast number of opportunities in higher education. Everyone of our students has a unique story to tell and we strive to help them find and share their voice.
Kate has been working as a counselor since 2005 in various academic settings. She graduated from UNH with a B.A. in English and her M.ED in School Counseling. After which, Kate moved to San Francisco where she worked as a Financial Aid Counselor for the Academy of Art University before moving to be a Guidance Counselor at Mercy High School. There she served as the Guidance Director before moving to Los Angeles where she worked as the Co-Director of College Counseling for Immaculate Heart High School. Upon returning to the Seacoast, Kate has worked as an Admission Reader for Wellesley College as well being one of the first Learning Coaches with College for America, a groundbreaking online competency-based Associate's degree program out of Southern New Hampshire University.
Kate is excited to join the Sparhawk Community as their new College Counselor and to teach the College Readiness Course. Kate loves walking students and their families through the college planning process to make sure it is a rewarding and productive experience. Through her experiences on the high school and college level she is confident in helping the students find a place that is ideally suited to their personal and academic aspirations.