College and Career Readiness

At Clark Montessori High School, we prepare our students for the careers of their choice. Students have the resources they need to make the leap after they graduate, whether they intend to enroll, enlist or go straight into employment.

In addition, Clark is part of the CPS Career and Workforce Readiness Program. Throughout the school year, students will participate in activities that will prepare them for real life. More information, including upcoming events, can be found on the CPS Career-Based Learning page.

Through school-wide email announcements, we inform families about available enrichment programs, job opportunities, service work, internships, career exploration, college fairs and visits, and various other post-secondary opportunities.

View and download: 3 Secrets to Keeping a High GPA in High School

View and download: College Planning Calendar

Post-Secondary Planning Center

We help students of every grade level and their families plan for life after Clark. Contact us to discuss the many exciting possibilities ahead of you:

Tracey Williiams, (513) 363-7106
Jenny Lutes, (513) 363-7109

We hold informal meetings several times a year for all students and families on various topics. We are also available for one-on-one sessions by appointment. We meet with students in grades 11 and 12 individually to chart a course for the future. We also meet with juniors and seniors during Advisory.

Enroll — Attending College

Attending a university or trade school is an exciting time — it means you are that much closer to putting your plans into action. The higher education pathway requires a lot of preparation starting as early as grade 9.

Review the Clark Profile for college admissions offices.

Admissions Testing
Some programs require that students take an admissions test; the most common are the ACT and the SAT. Our College Testing page offers more information on the tests.

Applying to College
Some students know early on where they want to attend college. Others may not be so sure. There are many strategies to identify the right fit for you. We outline a few here; talk to your school counselor about other tools that can help you.

The Common App — Apply to more than 800 schools using one application; includes planning resources as well.

NCAA Eligibility — Want to play college sports? Make sure you understand NCAA eligibility requirements.

Paying for College
There are many options to help pay for higher education. To improve your chances of qualifying, make sure that you meet all deadlines. Your school counselor can provide more information on financial aid options and requirements. Visit our Financial Aid — Scholarships page for more information on resources that are available to students.

Post-Secondary Intersession
All students in grade 11 have access to our unique Post-Secondary/College Prep and Tour Intersession. For two weeks in the fall, regular classes are suspended and juniors learn all about the post-secondary planning process. During this intersession, students:

• Tour several local colleges and universities, including large state universities, historically black colleges and universities, private liberal arts programs, and community and technical programs
• Learn how to prepare and register for college testing
• Learn how to write resumes and college essays
• Learn how to navigate the application process

Enlist — Joining the Military
If you are interested in joining a branch of the military after graduating from high school, you may gain information and insight from any of the following sources:

• Recruiters who come to visit school; listen to the announcements for the dates and times
• Calling or visiting the recruiting offices in your area
• Talking to people you know who have been in the military
• Other options include:
  • Joining the ROTC — Attend college and receive training to become a military officer at the same time. ROTC scholarships are available to help pay your college expenses.
  • Joining the National Guard or the Reserves — Serve in the military and maintain a civilian life at the same time.

For information about the educational and financial benefits of the various military options, visit a recruiter. Recruiters make periodic visits to the Guidance Office. Be sure to sign up to see them when their visits are announced.

Employed — Focusing on Your Career

Career
There are plenty of tools to help you determine the right path for you. Some of the resources here offer good information about career options and planning. Check with your counselor for other tools that can help you plan your future.

ASVAB — The ASVAB is a test to predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

Ohio Means Jobs — This online career planning tool helps students discover career interests, explore future job options, create a resume and more.

Occupational Outlook Handbook — Explore career information on duties, education and training, pay and career outlook for hundreds of careers.

Vocational
Ready to enter the workforce right away? Here are some resources to help find a job:

Job Corps — Job Corps is the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults aged 16–24.

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio — The Urban League offers workforce training and other programs to boost employability.