Academic Counseling & Student Support

We always have our thumb on the pulse of our student body. We listen to what our students say. In response, we have made changes to our daily class schedule and shifted and augmented support services to meet the needs of our students. We recognize the importance of teaching young adults intangible skills such as time-management, how to self-advocate, and when to seek help from teachers or others.

How We Are Different

We are happy to say that we are not like anybody else. Here’s what makes us stand out from the rest:

  • We have intentionally made our faculty more accessible to our students simply by the grouping and placement of their offices on campus.
  • Students have scheduled Individual Learning Time (ILT) up to four times a week. During this time, students can seek faculty assistance, complete assignments, or work on group projects.
  • No matter what age we are, we all need “recess” time. Family and House meetings during the school day make a great break (recess). During these student-led meetings, they develop leadership skills, grow and strengthen friendships, and refresh their minds.

The MH – MA Schedule

We have structured the daily class schedule to reflect what students can expect in college. Each day is different, but week to week remains the same. Class times vary in length between 85, 55, and 25 minutes.

Since implementing the MH – MA schedule, we have seen increased class participation, better-prepared students, and more student participation in extracurricular activities.

Student Support

A structured environment is a key component to developing positive habits. We have built in the following student support sessions into the daily life of our students:

Individual Learning Time (ILT)
We have built time into the class schedule during which students report to a designated study space and work individually or in groups.

Mandatory Learning Time (MLT)
ILT changes to Mandatory Learning Time (MLT) for students with an academic grade below 70%. Teachers may impose a higher grade requirement (such as 75% or 80%) depending on what the teacher deems appropriate for the class and a particular student.

We require MLT students to meet with the teacher until their academic grade is reestablished and/or accountability and responsibility are reestablished. Once a student has returned to satisfactory levels, they may return to ILT.

Structured Learning Time (SLT)
If faculty and/or our academic team determines a student needs more support, then MLT is transitioned to Structured Learning Time (SLT). SLT students report to a specific location and follow a homework checklist and/or receive tutoring, depending on what they need. A specific SLT teacher works with the student individually until the student’s academic grades and commitment to learning improves.

Special Courses

Navigating new surroundings, preparing to graduate, college entrance exams, and adjusting to a new culture can seem daunting to young adults (or anyone, for that matter!). We’ve developed special courses to guide them through these challenges.

Freshman Seminar

A course designed for ninth-grade students who could benefit from additional academic oversight and structure as they transition into a college-preparatory environment. Students will learn study skills, develop positive habits, and receive tools to complement their current course schedule and benefit their future academic endeavors. At the forefront, we teach students how to self-advocate and instill the importance of communication with teachers regarding their academic work and finding the paths to reach their goals.

Senior Seminar

Seniors (12th grade) explore career options and select their top university choices. Our instructor guides students through the college application process and provides individual support, such as reviewing application essays, when needed. The class provides opportunities and insight for students to deepen their understanding of “real world” responsibilities they will face after graduation.

ACT/SAT Prep Course

Historically, 98% of our graduates continue their education at colleges and universities across the U.S. and throughout the world every year. Preparing to gain these acceptances and scholarships is a key part of our studies and support at Maur Hill – Mount Academy.

To support our college-prep curriculum and daily classroom starters, we offer an ACT/SAT prep course designed to advance their knowledge and test-taking skills. Students learn specific strategies for each section, time management, and how to manage test anxiety. During practice exams, students apply their skills and evaluate their progress.

The course commits specific weeks to focus on each section of the exam. The teacher evaluates their overall progress and provides additional resources, supplementary study material, and support in the specific area(s) the student has the greatest opportunity to increase their score.

Maur Hill – Mount Academy campus is an official ACT & SAT testing site, and we offer each exam multiple times during the school year. Our college counselor will post testing dates at the beginning of the school year. Students may register themselves online for the exams or meet with the counselor for registration assistance.

International Seminar - International Students Only

Developed by the English as a Second Language department, this course encompasses a diverse set of academic and interpersonal skills an international student may not have previously developed or experienced in their home country. This skill set is vitally important to their success in their studies in the U.S.

The class assists students as they transition into the U.S. education system and helps them to seamlessly immerse into the college-prep curriculum at Maur Hill – Mount Academy and on to university and future careers.

TOEFL® Prep Course - International Students Only

This prep course prepares international students for the TOEFL® in the event their selected universities or colleges require the test for admission. Developed by the English as a Second Language department, students work on grammar and writing skills and focus extensively on vocabulary. They complete practice tests designed for each section of the TOEFL® test (reading, speaking, listening, writing) and are required to take the official test at least once during the course.

The English as a Second Language director evaluates each student’s goal progress and provides additional resources, supplementary study material, and further support in the specific area(s) that the student has the greatest opportunity to increase their score.

Maur Hill – Mount Academy is an official TOEFL® testing site. We offer the exam several times each semester on campus. The college counselor posts testing dates at the beginning of the school year, and students meet with the counselor to sign up for a specific test date(s) and register for the exam(s).