At NDCL, academic success is a collaborative effort between students, counselors, teachers, and families. Our school counselors play a central role in helping students achieve their full academic potential by providing individualized guidance and ongoing support throughout all four years of high school. 

Course Planning & Academic Advising

Each year, counselors work closely with students to develop a personalized academic plan that aligns with their interests, abilities, and future goals. This planning process ensures that students are appropriately challenged and well-prepared for college and career pathways.

Counselors also conduct regular credit checks to monitor academic progress and confirm that students are on track to meet NDCL’s graduation requirements.

In partnership with the Academic Success Center, counselors refer students for additional academic support when needed, including services from academic coaches and tailored strategies for success.

Standardized Testing Program

NDCL students follow a thoughtfully sequenced standardized testing program designed to track growth and readiness for post-secondary education. Counselors help students and families understand test results, identify academic strengths, and target areas for improvement.

Grade 9
  • PSAT 8/9 
Grade 10
  • Pre-ACT 
Grade 11
  • PSAT/NMSQT
  • ACT
  • SAT
  • AP Exams 
Grade 12
  • ACT and/or SAT
  • AP Exams 

Counselors provide resources and support to help students prepare for these assessments and understand how test scores can inform academic planning and college admissions.

Free Test Prep Resources

To support student success, NDCL offers access to a variety of free test preparation tools: