HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND COLLEGE COUNSELING

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Windermere Prep seniors have a 100% acceptance rate to college every year. We have a four-year college counseling model that enables students to find their best-fit, which results in over 800 acceptances to more than 200 colleges and universities annually.
The philosophy we embrace and encourage is that finding a great college or university is about finding the one that’s right for you. Utilizing various resources, the counseling team at Windermere Preparatory School guides our students on a personal journey to engage with their life beyond the classroom. This personalized approach helps to facilitate the thoughtful selection, application, and admission to the top-choice university for each of our students.
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  • A Personalized Roadmap to College Success

Four-Year College Counseling Model

Our college counselors provide personalized guidance at every stage of high school, empowering students to make informed decisions and confidently navigate their path to college and beyond.
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9th Grade
The 9th grade college counseling program supports students in their transition to high school, focusing on academic planning, course selection, extracurricular engagement, and early college awareness. Through personalized guidance, skill development, and parent involvement, students build a strong foundation for success in the IB Diploma Program and future career pathways.
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Laying the Foundation
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10th Grade
The 10th grade college counseling program builds on 9th grade foundations, providing personalized support in course selection, extracurricular development, and time management. Students explore the Personal Project, standardized testing, and leadership opportunities while engaging in small group and individual counseling. This prepares them for the intensive college process ahead.
Charting Your Course
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11th Grade
The 11th grade college counseling program provides intensive support as students prepare for college applications. From pathway selection and in-depth college exploration to essay drafting, campus visits, and SAT/ACT guidance, students receive personalized counseling. With college rep visits, resume development, and summer planning, they build a strong application foundation.
The College Journey Begins
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12th Grade
The 12th grade college counseling program offers personalized support through finalizing college lists, completing applications, essay feedback, and interview prep. Counselors assist with decision-making, waitlist strategies, and college transition planning. With ongoing family communication, we ensure students confidently navigate their path to higher education.
Navigating the Finish Line

Why Colleges Love Our Students

  • Preparation for college academics: At Windermere Preparatory School, our outstanding college-prep curriculum prepares each student for higher education.
  • Enrichment beyond the classroom: Windermere Preparatory School students participate in a wide breadth of activities — from athletics to fine and performing arts. These extra-curricular activities enrich opportunities for student learning beyond the classroom. Our students work individually with their guidance counselor toward self-discovery; an attribute that fares well toward success at the collegiate level.
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Meet the College Counseling Team

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Nancy Gerena
Director of College Counseling
Ms. Gerena is dedicated to working with students and families to ensure a smooth transition throughout high school to college. Responsible for the developmental curriculum over the four years of high school, the college counseling team helps discover personal interests and strengths of students. Ms. Gerena enjoys assisting students in their growth through their time at WPS ending with their best-fit college admissions. She enjoys coordinating the efforts of the College Counseling team and working with all areas of the high school to assure that all efforts are student-centered.
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Ashley Barnes
College Counselor
Ms. Barnes is a passionate counselor with years of experience in advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ms. Barnes is passionate about creating a supportive and nurturing environment and is committed to ensuring that every student finds their best fit academically and emotionally. Her holistic approach involves personalized guidance, taking into account each student's unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Her unwavering dedication helps students excel academically and develop the emotional resilience needed to thrive beyond their high school years. Through her compassionate and student-centered counseling, Ms. Barnes continues to profoundly impact the lives of countless young individuals, preparing them for a bright and successful future.
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Cameron Irving
College Counselor
Ms. Irving is a Pacific Northwest native from Tacoma, Washington. She attended the University of Southern California, studying Film Production and Screenwriting, before moving to New York City for four years. Upon returning to Washington State, she attended Culinary School where she received a Certificate in Restaurant Management and Food Production before discovering her true passion for helping others achieve academic excellence. She then earned her Masters Degree in Education Counseling from the University of Puget Sound, and has since worked at both a public International Baccalaureate School, and a Jesuit Catholic High School. Ms. Irving and her husband Paul have five year-old boy girl twins, and a cat named Finnegan.
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Gemma Wise Beaumont
College Counselor
Originally from the United Kingdom, Mrs. Beaumont pursued her studies in Education, leading to a career dedicated to student growth and success. Her journey in education has included roles as a teacher, instructional coach, educational consultant, and educational leader. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective on guiding students through their academic and college planning journeys. Mrs. Beaumont is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential. She enjoys supporting Windermere Prep students as they navigate their college choices and prepare for bright futures.
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Keith L. Sims, MA, LMHC, QS
Mental Health Counselor
Mr. Sims has extensive experience working with a vast array of performers, including athletes, actors, vocalists, and musicians that are experiencing mental performance barriers. He has worked with specific organizations and athletic teams to optimize interpersonal dynamics and universal performance. Additional areas of focus include medical illness/injury and physical disability. Mr. Sims is trained to assist individuals experiencing most mental health conditions including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and trauma response. The cornerstone of Mr. Sims' practice is an individualized acceptance process that leads to an uncovering of one's true self.  In his own words, “Backwards is often the way forward.”

College Matriculation (2019-2024)

COLLEGE COUNSELING QUICKLINKS

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Join us for a campus tour or virtual discovery meeting to take the first step in your child’s most exciting academic experience. We look forward to meeting you to discuss what makes Windermere Prep special.

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