About the Counseling Department

Advocating for the needs of students as they navigate through high school and prepare for college

Counselors

  • address all students’ academic, personal, social and career development needs;
  • design, implement, evaluate and enhance a comprehensive counseling program that promotes the success of all students;
  • assist students in planning for college and their future careers;
  • partner with parents to ensure the success of our students;
  • assist students with mapping their curriculum over their four years; and
  • advocate for programs and services that lead to student success and achievement.

Preparing for College

  • A dedicated college counselor works with families throughout the college search and application process beginning in the student's junior year.
  • The college counselor listens to student’s suggestions of college and provides his or her own insight.
  • The Counseling Department arranges visits with college representatives.
  • The Counseling Department also presents college panel discussions, financial aid and scholarship information nights, a Catholic college fair, and a presentation on the special education college admission process.

Testing Program

  • The Counseling Department coordinates Saint Viator’s testing program.
  • Freshmen take the GAINS test. sophomores take the PreACT test. Juniors take the PSAT.
  • After each round of tests, counselors help students and parents interpret the results.

Tools

  • Family Connection/Naviance is a college and career readiness platform that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals.
  • Dedicated computers are available in the Counseling Office for student research.
  • Assistance is available for help with online applications.
  • Students are provided with access to college and career catalogues and guide books.
  • The Writing Lab is available through the English Department to assist with completing college applications.
  • The College Essay Writing Workshop gives students an overview of the steps involved in writing an effective college admissions essay.
  • Led by faculty members and department chairpersons, ACT Test Prep Classes help juniors prepare for the April ACT test.

Class of 2017 Statistics

  • 219 graduates, 100% accepted into a college or university
  • $29 million in collegiate scholarship offers
ACT Score
    • 26.7 Average ACT score for Class of 2017
National Merit
    • 9 National Merit Commended Scholars
    • 3 National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists
Advanced Placement (AP) Results
    • 48 Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction
    • 34 Advanced Placement Scholars with Honors
    • 55 Advanced Placement Scholars
    • 10 National Advanced Placement Scholar
Illinois State Scholars
    • 68 Illinois State Scholars

Department Faculty

Mr. Joe Majkowski
Chairperson
Class of 2021
Mrs. Stephanie Collins
Class of 2020
Mrs. Kelly Dutmers
College Counselor
Mr. T.J. King
Class of 2019
Mrs. Stephanie Spiewak
Class of 2018
Ms. Kirsten Nozime
Lion Study
Mrs. Patti Yellin
Counseling Secretary

Related information:

SVHS ACT Code: 140-098