On the Hill, we go on to do great things.

We develop the talents and interests of our students and help them realize individual educational goals in high school, preparing them for college and beyond.

student with her college counselor

Recent College Acceptances

33% of graduates were accepted to highly selective colleges as defined by schools that admit 30% or less of the students who apply.

Advising & College Counseling: A Four Year Program

The process of applying to college can be both fulfilling and exciting for you and your daughter, offering an opportunity to gain greater insight and clarity into her personal values, goals and decision-making style. The College Counseling staff at Flintridge Sacred Heart believes that the method developed to apply to, contact or visit colleges should be one of organization and creativity, resulting in a sense of true accomplishment.

If you would like more information about how Flintridge Sacred Heart prepares each student for the college experience that’s right for her, please feel free to contact the College Counseling Department at any time (see sidebar).

List of 4 items.

  • Ninth Grade

    Advising in the freshman year serves to help students become acquainted with the high school experience. Students are introduced to the importance of self-advocacy, being involved in extracurricular activities, developing strong study habits and advice on building teacher relationships. Advisors work with academic departments to appropriately place students in classes for the next academic year. Moreover, the advisor serves as the student’s advocate in issues related to academics as well as personal fortification. Through advising assemblies, students are also able to learn about topics including creating and maintaining healthy relationships, setting goals and reflecting on academic performance. Addressing these topics freshmen year will benefit them later as juniors and seniors.

    During freshmen year, students will participate in the following:
    • Freshmen take the PSAT test (a pre-SAT)
    • Out-of-state college fair (students and parents are invited to attend)
    • Explore test seminar (distribution of test results and explanation)
    • Individual meetings for parents and students for 10th grade course scheduling and review of student progress
    • Introduction to Naviance/The Family Connection so students learn about this valuable resource used by the Advising & College Counseling office
  • Tenth Grade

    During the sophomore year, advisors serve as a critical role in supporting students both academically and personally as they tackle a more rigorous academic load. Students at this age are more involved in their high school experience, thus advisors focus student enrichment on time management, a continuum of study skills development and identifying potential leadership opportunities as they move to an upper grade level. Advisors encourage sophomores to continue in philanthropic activities that focus on fueling their passions and faith during summer break. College counseling continues, as advisors suggest appropriate classes for the next year.

    During sophomore year, students will participate in the following:
    • Take PSAT in October and full length practice ACT exam
    • Fall college tours available
    • Individual meetings for parents and students for 11th grade course scheduling and review of student progress
    • Students and parents are urged to attend the National College Fair in Pasadena
  • Eleventh Grade

    Advisors serve to help students solidify their extracurricular activities, build their resume and interpret test scores in preparation for their college application process. Students transition to their college counselors in the second semester to more fully embark on their college exploration and application journey. Advisors and college counselors encourage students to discover their passions which can inform their college environment and major choices, thus allowing for a more personalized and intimate college selection journey. College counselors introduce students to exploration tools to help in their college search and applications including mentorship in writing their college essays.

    Students visit Stanford during a college tour
    During junior year, students will participate in the following:
    • Take PSAT test for the third time and second full-length practice ACT exam
    • Juniors are invited to participate in the college representative visits on our campus.
    • College counselors visit religion classes for “Essay Writing” and “Building College List” Workshops
    • College Knowledge Night: Event for all junior families
    • Individual college guidance appointments are scheduled with college counselors following College Knowledge Night.
    • Spring Break East Coast College Tour
    • Spring semester ACT practice classes 
    • Juniors take first SAT and/or ACT test and Subject Tests (if applicable).
    • Students and parents are urged to attend the National College Fair in Pasadena
    • Case Studies "Mock Admissions Event” partnered with St. Francis.
    • Junior Questionnaire is assigned
    • College Counseling Summer Workshops
    In January of junior year, all students are assigned a college counselor. Besides multiple individual meetings throughout the year, college counselors go into the classrooms to facilitate essay-writing workshops. Students also have the opportunity to go on two college tours — an East Coast trip and a Northern California trip.
  • Twelfth Grade

    College counselors serve as mentors to students who are not only choosing colleges, but helping students discover more about themselves and their own identity. Through a dynamic and very personalized service, college counselors provide students information regarding colleges, deadlines, strategies, financial aid and many more aspects. It is the goal of the college counselors to help students find their “best fit” college in which they will continue to grow personally, academically and spiritually.

    Students celebrate college acceptances
    Celebrating acceptances
    During senior year, students will participate in the following:
    • Senior Parent Night
    • Another opportunity to retake SAT, ACT and/or Subject Tests
    • St. Francis College Fair
    • Interact with college representatives to visit Flintridge Sacred Heart during the fall season
    • College counselors meet with each student individually on a regular basis and prepare letters of recommendation for all seniors
    • Assistance and direction in applying for financial aid and scholarships
    • Counseling on dealing with acceptances, denials and making appropriate college choices

Downloads

Advising & College Counseling Staff

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Roberto Dimas

    Roberto Dimas 

    Director of College Counseling
    626-685-8344
  • Photo of Christina Acker

    Christina Acker 00

    Associate Director of College Counseling
    626-685-8312
  • Photo of Angie Teneriello

    Angie Teneriello 

    College Counseling and Advising Administrative Assistant and Registrar
    626-685-8306
  • Photo of Paula Mora

    Paula Mora 

    College Essay Coach
    626-685-8311

Celebrating College Acceptances

The Advising Program is designed to give our students the support and resources they need to be successful at Flintridge Sacred Heart. We focus on academics but also include their social and emotional learning. We want our students to have a well rounded and balanced life over their four year journey.
Shelly Sonner, Director of Advising

Advising Staff

List of 10 members.

  • Photo of Stephanie Contreras

    Stephanie Contreras 

    Athletic Director
    626-685-8375
  • Photo of Roberto Dimas

    Roberto Dimas 

    Director of College Counseling
    626-685-8344
  • Photo of Amara Gero

    Amara Gero 

    English Teacher
    626-685-8300
  • Photo of Samantha Herrick

    Samantha Herrick 

    Associate Director of Residential Life
    626-685-8455
  • Photo of Juli James

    Juli James 

    Director of Community Life
    626-685-8500
  • Photo of Sarah Mackenzie

    Sarah Mackenzie 

    Residential Life Supervisor / English Language Support
    626-685-8455
  • Photo of Jane McEneaney

    Jane McEneaney 

    Theatre Teacher
    626-685-8300
  • Photo of Leslie Miller

    Leslie Miller 

    Science Department Chair/Science and Economics Teacher/ Advisor
    626-685-8300
  • Photo of Margot Paine

    Margot Paine 

    Academic Services Coordinator
    626-685-8536
  • Photo of Shelly Sonner

    Shelly Sonner 

    Director of Advising
    626-685-8532

FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART

440 St. Katherine Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
626-685-8300

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Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, a Catholic, Dominican, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding school, educates young women for a life of faith, integrity, and truth.

Flintridge Sacred Heart admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and athletic and other school-administered programs.