Academic Counseling
Academic Advising
Academic advising at VMA is facilitated by counselors and faculty. Each year in the spring, counselors meet with students in small groups to discuss course options for the following school year. Students are encouraged to speak with their current teachers regarding the most appropriate course for them in each subject area, and counselors assist students with maintaining a manageable and balanced load.
Standardized Testing
Standardized testing occurs at all four grade levels. Freshmen and sophomores take take the PSAT in the fall and Pre-ACT in the spring. In October, juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT. In the middle of the junior year and beginning of the senior year, students register for the ACT and/or SAT. VMA recommends that students begin their preparation for college admission tests during the fall of their junior year.
Academic Support
Teachers are always available and accessible for student-initiated meetings. Peer tutoring, in various subject areas, is also available through our academic honors students. Also offered is a Lighthouse Scholars Program in which students who have an identified academic need work with our staff to provide academic accommodations, learning strategies, and social supports.
As a school, our desire is to empower students to achieve academic success. Outside of the support that students receive in the classroom, the school counseling program can also provide students with additional supports and tools that will enhance their ability to achieve academic success.