Looking ahead, we invite parents to engage with us in our 2025-26 College Counseling programming, which includes virtual College Conversations, a series of informal morning programs (typically from 8:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) we host on college related topics throughout the year. These programs are intended to provide additional opportunities for Upper School parents to connect with us about college related concerns, hear more about a specific topic (e.g. the college search, financial aid and scholarships, how to spend summers), and ask any questions.
We have started making plans for our 19th annual College Day program, which is scheduled for April 15, 2026. Parents are invited (and highly encouraged) to attend College Day, an ideal opportunity for underclassmen and their families to set the agenda for future college research.
We will continue to include important information and reminders in the E-Bulletin (and via email) regarding the milestones in the college/post-secondary planning process. Regarding our revamped approach to college entrance testing, please note that sophomore and junior students will have the option to sit for the digital PSAT exam on Saturday, October 12. The PSAT in Grade 10 is solely a practice exam intended to start familiarizing students with SAT test content and digital format, as well as to help students identify areas of testing strength and weakness. For those in Grade 11, the PSAT doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT).
Tentative 2025-26 Programming Dates (subject to change)
| SEMESTER 1 | ACTIVITY |
| June 23 | Lions Cup Golf at Woodhill Country Club (Calling Alumni & Parent Golfers!) |
| July 29 – Aug 1 | College Application Workshop for Seniors (a.k.a. Bootcamp) |
| September 9 | Virtual Parent College Conversation (Topic: Tips on College Entrance Testing) |
| September 16 | Senior Parent College Night |
| October 4 | Fall College Essay Workshop for Seniors |
| October 11 | Saturday opt-in digital PSAT/NMSQT Exam at PA for 11th (and 10th grade) |
| October 14 | (projected date) ACT Exam at PA for all juniors (opt-in for seniors) |
| November 6-7 | Opt-in College Visit Field Trip (tentative: Creighton University and UNL) |
| November 13 | Grade 11 College Planning Keynote Speaker/Session (afternoon) |
| December 4 | Virtual Parent College Conversation (Topic: Financial Aid) |
| December 20 | Annual Alumni Homecoming Christmas Party |
| January 7 | Annual PA Alumni Home-From-College Forum |
| SEMESTER 2 | |
| January 15 | Virtual Parent College Conversation (Topic: Summer College Programs) |
| February 12 | Grade 9 and 10 Parent Virtual College Conversation |
| March 5-6 | Local College Visit Field Trip(s) |
| April 2 | Parent Virtual College Conversation (Preview to College Day) |
| April 15 | Providence Academy Annual College Day (afternoon) |
| May 7 | Parent College Conversation (Topic: Highly Selective College Admission) |
| May 28 | College Recognitions Activity Period Ceremony for Juniors (a.k.a. Book Awards) |
In addition to the date above, we will schedule additional student encounters with alumni regarding college/career advice, especially through student clubs (e.g. Medical Club, Finance Club, etc.).
Finally, as a reminder, Upper School students are invited to schedule a college meeting with their assigned college counselor. Juniors should be scheduling their final check-in meeting of the school year, while freshman and sophomore families who would find it helpful are also welcome to schedule a meeting (we recognize that the college search unfolds at different paces for different students):
We are also available via phone, email, and Google Meet when questions (or a need for facetime) do arise. For any/all college counseling related questions, please contact Mrs. Sarah Hogan, Director of College Counseling and Alumni Engagement at 763-258-5508.