At Westbury Christian School, preparing students for what comes next is never an afterthought. It’s a carefully guided journey that begins early, grows intentionally, and culminates in celebration. From national recognition for academic excellence to a personalized, four-year college counseling process, we are proud of how our students are equipped to step confidently into their futures.
National Recognition: College Board AP Platinum Award
This year, Westbury Christian School earned the College Board AP Platinum Award, the highest distinction offered within the annual AP School Honor Roll program. This recognition highlights schools that not only expand access to Advanced Placement courses, but also ensure students are successful once they are enrolled.
To receive the Platinum designation, schools must meet rigorous benchmarks across three key areas:
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College Culture: At least 80% of the graduating class has taken one or more AP exams during high school.
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College Credit: At least 50% of the graduating class has earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, qualifying them for college credit at many institutions.
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College Optimization: At least 15% of the graduating class has taken five or more AP exams over the course of high school.
Platinum schools represent approximately 8% of eligible schools nationwide, placing Westbury Christian School among the top-performing schools in the country. This honor reflects the dedication of our students, the expertise of our teachers, and a school culture that challenges students to pursue excellence while supporting them every step of the way.
A Four-Year College Counseling Journey
Academic achievement is only one part of college readiness. At WCS, college counseling is a structured, relational process that unfolds across all four years of high school.
9th Grade: Building the Foundation
College preparation begins with our Freshman Symposium program. Ninth-grade students meet regularly with the school counselor to focus on executive functioning skills that are essential for long-term success. Topics include time management, organization, study habits, and understanding GPA. The goal is simple but powerful: help students master the skills they need to thrive in high school and beyond.
10th–11th Grade: Exploration and Exposure
In sophomore and junior years, students begin to broaden their view of what’s possible. They prepare for the PSAT, attend college fairs, start college tours, and participate in College Knowledge Night, where families learn about applications and admissions processes. This stage is all about exposure—helping students understand the wide range of colleges and pathways available to them.
11th Grade: Strategy and Preparation
Junior year is a pivotal time. Students take the ACT, begin working on the Common Application with the school counselor, and select courses aligned with their college goals. They participate in narrative essay workshops for the Common App, and a writing coach works closely with students to strengthen their applications. Students also begin using Naviance, a powerful planning tool that helps them research schools, track applications, and align interests with future goals.
12th Grade: Focus and Follow-Through
Senior year brings clarity and momentum. Students continue developing their Naviance accounts and meet individually with the counselor for personalized college and career planning. The focus shifts to finalizing applications, refining essays, and narrowing college lists. As decisions arrive, we celebrate acceptances together as a community.
Celebrating the Journey: Signing Day
One of the most meaningful moments of the year is College Signing Day, a celebration open to all graduating seniors and their families. The counselor reaches out to colleges and universities to gather school “swag,” and the day becomes a joyful milestone for our students.
Each participating senior is announced, signs their acceptance letter, and poses for photos with family members by their side. It’s a moment that captures years of hard work, perseverance, and growth—and a reminder that while students may be heading to different places, they complete their high school journey together.
Preparing Students for What’s Next
Westbury Christian remains committed to preparing students not just for college admission, but for college success and life beyond. We are proud of our students, grateful for our families’ partnership, and excited to see where the next chapter leads.
