School Counselor
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Mrs. Christy Smesny is a Certified School Counselor who is available to all RTCA students. RTCA’s school counselor offers guidance to all students to promote academic growth and achievement as well as social and emotional growth and support. RTCA’s school counselor is available to guide and support students and families in academic course selection, graduation plans, college and career planning, concerns regarding grades or classes and any social or emotional support for RTCA students.
For additional information please contact Mrs. Smesny at csmesny@gortca.com
Class Schedules
Class schedules are created based on the number of students enrolled and the class load of each staff member at RTCA. The School Counselor reviews and discusses a student’s course of study and develops a schedule for each student. Any schedule changes must be made by the school counselor, no exceptions. Schedules will not be changed after the first week of school. Schedule changes will only be considered for a valid education reason. All schedule changes will be at the discretion of the school counselor and based on availability. For students choosing to move to a higher rigor or lower rigor level course, any grades earned in the class prior to the schedule change will be transferred to the new class.
Graduation Requirements
The High School at RTCA provides a college preparatory education. RTCA offers various types of high school courses, including College Prep, Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment courses. Students are encouraged to choose courses based on their interests and strengths. RTCA’s mission is to provide students a foundation to be Christ-honoring decision makers and successful learners prepared to enter their next step after high school graduation.
24 Credits are required for High School Graduation:
–4 Units of English
–4 Units of Math
–4 Units of History (including Bible History)
–4 Units of Science
–1 Unit of PE/Health
–2 Units of Foreign Language
–4 Units of Electives
–1 Senior Bible Course
Total 24 Units
Standardized Tests: PSAT and SAT/ACT
All 8th and 9th grade students will take the PSAT. The PSAT establishes basic skills and ability and assists in measuring student aptitude toward college level classes. Juniors may choose to participate in the PSAT testing to be a possible candidate for the National Merit Scholarship program.
All high school students are encouraged and expected to take the SAT and the ACT as part of their application process for college. The SAT and the ACT measure general educational development and a students’ ability to complete college level work including critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that students need to do college level work. The SAT and the ACT are offered on RTCA’s campus.
Accommodations
RTCA wants to address the needs of students with specific, documented learning differences and/or Attention Deficit Disorder and to help these students learn academic strategies to enhance their educational experience. However, as a private school, RTCA is limited in what services can be offered. Students are required to provide the following documentation to be considered for accommodations:
–An educational/psychological evaluation that is no more than three years old. This evaluation must be administered by a private, licensed psychologist or by a school psychologist in the public school system and contain academic recommendations outlining what the student needs to be successful in the classroom. If the student had an IEP or 504 plan at a previous school, this should be provided as well. RTCA’s school counselor will review the student’s test results and recommendations in the educational/psychological evaluation to determine how the student will be best served at RTCA. RTCA’s school counselor and RTCA’s Learning Lab Advisor will work collaboratively with the student’s teachers to implement the directives recommended in the required comprehensive educational/ psychological evaluation in accordance with school policies. The school counselor will schedule regular meetings to review the agreed upon plan set forth by the team. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
Dual Enrollment
RTCA students may take courses offered through the Dual Enrollment program and simultaneously earn college and high school credit. To participate, see the School Counselor.
HOPE Scholarship/Zell Miller Scholarship
HOPE Scholarship Eligibility:
1) Meet one of the following academic requirements:
-Graduate from a HOPE-eligible high school with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (as calculated by GSFC).
2) Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a public or private HOPE-eligible college or university in Georgia.
3) Meet academic rigor requirements. Beginning with students graduating from an eligible high school on or after May 1, 2015, students must complete a specific number of academically rigorous courses, as identified on the Academic Rigor Course List, in addition to meeting the GPA requirements.
Click here to see how the HOPE GPA is calculated.
Zell Miller Scholarship Eligibility:
1) To receive Zell Miller Scholarship funding, students must meet all HOPE Scholarship eligibility requirements and meet one of the following academic requirements:
1)Graduate from an eligible high school or accredited high school program as the valedictorian or the salutatorian and meet all HOPE Scholarship eligibility requirements.
2)Graduate from an eligible high school with a minimum 3.7 grade point average (as calculated by GSFC) combined with a minimum score of 1200 on the math and reading portions of the SAT test or a minimum composite score of 26 on the ACT test in a single national test administration and meet all HOPE Scholarship eligibility requirements. Details
2) Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a Zell Miller eligible college or university in Georgia.
3) Meet academic rigor requirements. Beginning with students graduating from high school on or after May 1, 2015, students must complete a specific number of academically rigorous courses, as identified on the Academic Rigor Course List, in addition to meeting the GPA requirement.
Application Procedure
Students have two options when applying for the HOPE Scholarship/Zell Miller Scholarship:
1) Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or,
2) Complete the online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPPS) or printable paper GSFAPPS application.
Note: The FAFSA must be completed each year.
Application Deadlines:
The application deadline is the last day of the school term or a student's withdrawal date, whichever occurs first. It is recommended that you submit your HOPE scholarship application as early as possible; the earlier you apply, the earlier the funds are disbursed to your school and credited to your account.
Check the website for the most current news and information. GAfutures.org
Note: Additional college-specific application and deadline requirements may be required. Check with your postsecondary institution.