My name is Nicholas Umphrey and I am the Director of Guidance.  I began my career as a guidance counselor in 2003 and I am very proud to practice my profession at Washington Academy since 2008.  Joining me in the guidance department is Joanne Ausprey, College Placement Specialist who has been with us since 2004.   Also Donna Eldridge has served as our office manager and registrar since 2008.  

The guidance department has two main focuses: career preparation and mental health advocacy for the students.  Joanne Ausprey, as our College Placement Specialist, is the main contact for international students' in the college and university application process.  Donna Eldridge, as our Registrar, is the main contact for questions pertaining to grades and permanent records.  For a more detailed description of services provided by the guidance department please visit the links below.  We look forward to working with you.

Add/Drop (Course Change) Policy:

The Add/Drop Period takes place during the first ten days of each semester.  Course changes are  done on a need basis only.  The purpose for any course change is to place students in courses that are appropriate to their skill level.  A student's skill level in academic courses are determined by test scores and teacher recommendation.

There are three types of schedule changes:
1. Student Initiated Change: the student would like to add an elective course of their choosing to their schedule.

2. Parent/Guardian Initiated Change: a parent or guardian believes that a academic course level change is necessary for their son or daughter.  If the change involves a course required for graduation, the student, parent or guardian is encouraged to speak with the instructor of the course to discuss this change as the first step in this process.

3. Administration Initiated Change: for the purpose of discipline, class composition, and master scheduling.       

All schedule change forms must be approved by a parent or guardian and submitted to the guidance office before the student begins the revised schedule.  

Path to College:
Planning for life after Washington Academy begins the first day a student comes through our doors.  Believe it or not, everyday in the classroom, the courses taken, and student conduct is preparation for life after Washington Academy.  It is our goal each year to have every grade 12 student either: submit a college application, enlist in a branch of the military, or arrange occupational training after high school.  The following suggestions will be useful to you in your time as a student at Washington Academy.

1. Explore:  In your four years, take any opportunity you can find to explore different occupations and personal interests.  Having these experiences contributes to your journey to find a field of study, or profession that suits you.  More importantly, these experiences contribute to your development as a lifelong learner.

2. Visit: Take any chance you can find to visit or tour a college or university, bank, hospital, art studio.  Chances are that the profession you will have ten years from now currently does not exist.  Be open to the possibilities available to you. 

3. Academics: It is always best to have too much instead of not enough.  In other words, it will ultimately be to your benefit to take courses that challenge you.  Try to build a high school transcript that shows you have explored rigorous courses, and varied academic subjects. 

4. Ask: Your teachers, coaches, and advocates are here to help you.  If you do not understand something, please be proactive in asking questions.  If you need additional help in a subject, speak to a teacher to see if  you can meet outside of class for help.

Here is a good resource:
http://www.angelfire.com/me/collegecareer/