Preparing students for life after high school—intentionally and personally.
At TSA, college and career planning is a four-year journey that begins in 9th grade. Through dedicated classes, one-on-one support, and progressive advising, students gain the confidence, skills, and clarity to explore post-secondary paths with purpose.
Unlike many high schools, TSA includes college and career exploration as a part of the weekly curriculum for juniors and seniors. Whether students plan to attend college, take a gap year, join the workforce, or pursue other opportunities, they leave TSA prepared to make informed decisions about their future.
Career Planning by Grade
Through P.A.T.H. classes, students explore the question: Who am I?
They identify their strengths, interests, and communication styles while building resilience, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.
In the spring, students attend weekly classes led by a rotating team that includes the College & Career Advisor, Academic Dean, and guest speakers.
Topics include:
- Resume development
- Career and college exploration
- Planning college visits
- Introduction to post-secondary options and the college application process
Seniors take actionable steps toward their post-secondary goals, including:
- Attending college fairs
- Registering for standardized tests
- Practicing interview skills
- Exploring and comparing post-secondary options such as:
- Gap years
- Volunteer programs
- Military service
- Workforce entry
- 2- and 4-year colleges
- Access to Naviance for managing applications and research
- Exposure to the Common Application
- Writing resumes and college essays
- Requesting recommendation letters
- Understanding and navigating the financial aid process
College & Career Planning Resources
State & Local Resources
- MyFutureVT.org: Career exploration and education planning
- Vermont Career Connect: Interest surveys and career interviews (VSAC)
- VSAC College & Career Pathways: Workshops, info sessions, planning tools
- Dual Enrollment Vouchers: College credit opportunities for high school students
- Vermont Agency of Education: Supports CTE programs across Vermont
School-Based Tools
- Naviance: Career interest inventories, college search tools, application tracking
- Community College of Vermont (CCV):
- Career Coach: Interest-based program matching
- Handshake: Job and internship listings
National Resources
- BigFuture: College and career exploration from the College Board
- College Scorecard: Compare colleges by cost, graduation rate, and more
- Federal Student Aid (StudentAid.gov): FAFSA help, loans, grants, and work-study
- What Can I Do With This Major?: Connects college majors to potential careers
