Preparing Collegiate Seniors for What Comes Next
With graduation just one month away, the Collegiate Class of 2026 has been preparing to take their next big step. Senior year is filled with celebrations and anticipation, but it is also the result of years of hard work and preparation. At The Collegiate School of Memphis, helping students confidently transition from high school to life after graduation is central to our mission.
For many Collegiate scholars, college represents a new chapter not only for them, but also for their families. That is why we focus on equipping students with the skills, guidance, and support they need to thrive long after they leave our hallways.
Preparing Scholars Long Before Senior Year
College and career readiness at Collegiate begins well before the final year of high school. Through our Foundations curriculum, introduced in sixth grade, students start developing skills such as goal setting, executive functioning, career exploration, and personal responsibility.
By the time students reach their junior year, they begin researching careers and colleges by identifying institutions and organizations that align with their goals. These early conversations help scholars approach the future with clarity and confidence.
Exploring College Campuses and Opportunities
Throughout high school, Collegiate organizes visits to colleges and universities across the tristate area. These trips give students the opportunity to experience campus life firsthand and begin imagining themselves as college students.
On the Collegiate campus, events like Lunch and Learn and Reverse Interviews bring Memphis community leaders to share their career experiences, giving scholars the opportunity to explore different career paths and giving them the chance to ask questions about what those careers look like day to day.
Personalized College Counseling
Each Collegiate senior receives individualized guidance through the college application and scholarship search process. Through one-on-one meetings with our Director of College & Career Guidance and our Senior Seminar class, students receive support in researching colleges, preparing applications, applying for scholarships, and understanding financial aid.
Continuing Support After Graduation
Collegiate’s commitment to students does not end when they walk across the graduation stage. For six years after graduation, the Alumni Support Team remains connected with Collegiate graduates. From helping alumni navigate changes in their education to checking in throughout the year, the team works to ensure they have the guidance and resources needed for success.
Collegiate’s Goals
The goal at Collegiate is not simply for students to be accepted into college, but to choose the right post-secondary plan for them and then thrive once they settle into their desired path. Today, 100% of Collegiate graduates are accepted to a four year college or university, and 80% are still enrolled or have earned their degrees.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate this spring, we are grateful for the community that makes this work possible. If you would like to help future graduates experience the same level of support, we invite you to learn more about how you can partner with Collegiate in preparing the next generation of Memphis leaders by checking out the link below.