College & Career Preparedness
The Postsecondary Department at Girard College is dedicated to preparing students for success beyond high school by offering comprehensive support in college, career, and life readiness.
Through a four-year seminar sequence, students gain the tools, resources, and confidence to pursue their goals with purpose:
- Freshman Seminar (9th Grade): Builds self-awareness, identity, and academic habits to help students transition into high school and establish a strong foundation.
- Sophomore Seminar (10th Grade): Encourages career exploration, leadership, and decision-making skills while helping students set personal and academic goals.
- Junior Seminar (11th Grade): Focuses on postsecondary planning with college and career exploration, portfolio development, and preparation for standardized testing.
- Senior Seminar (12th Grade): Provides hands-on support with the college application process, financial aid, and career alignment, culminating in a capstone project and transition planning.
Girard College offers the following supports
for high school students
- A full-time College and Career Advisor
- A Postsecondary Prep Seminar Course for every grade
- PSAT/SAT/ACT test preparation
- Service learning
- Dual enrollment with Temple University, Community College of Philadelphia & UPenn Hospital
- Essay writing assistance
- Mock interview practice
- College and trade school campus visits
- 1-1 application and financial aid guidance
- Meetings with admissions representatives
- Scholarship assistance
- Alumni and professional networking
- Family workshops and guidance
At Girard College, postsecondary exploration begins in our youngest grades with students learning about community workers, taking on classroom jobs, and getting to know the professionals around campus. As students enter middle school, they have opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship activities, take on leadership roles, and learn more directly about possible options for future careers. Postsecondary preparation in high school begins as soon as students enter ninth grade. Take a look at these timelines to review the process we take for students in 9th-12th grade.
In addition to supporting current students, the Postsecondary Department also provides alumni support, ensuring that graduates receive guidance and resources as they go through college and pursue their career pathways. At Girard College, we are proud of our students’ achievements and remain committed to supporting them from high school through their alumni journey.
A Sample of Where Girard College Students Continue Their Studies
Our graduates from the Classes of 2018-2025 have been accepted to a wide range of colleges, universities, and technical programs, including:
- Albright College
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Delaware State University
- Harvard University
- Howard University
- Kutztown University
- La Salle University
- Lehigh University
- Lycoming College
- Marist College
- Montclair State University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- St. Joseph’s University
- Temple University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Trinity College
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Southern California
- West Chester University
- Widener University
- YearUp
Annual scholarships are available for eligible undergraduate students through the Sundry Trusts, a group of more than 115 trust funds left to the City of Philadelphia for charitable purposes, administered by The Board of Directors of City Trusts in accordance with the terms of the benefactor.
