College Counseling

We're dedicated to helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for what’s ahead.
College Counseling is dedicated to helping all of our students find their purpose and realize their potential. The college search and application process is a journey of self actualization, identity formation, and life exploration. The guidance we provide is designed to lead our students to a clearer understanding of self as well as their role and responsibility at FCDS and the greater community. 
Knowing our students is essential. Through one-on-one meetings, thought-provoking discussions, and the use of social-emotional and strengths assessments, we build strong and lasting relationships with our students in order to offer individualized counseling and strategies that help students feel heard, supported, and empowered. 
While the college counselors are available to meet with and support the students and families of all FCDS students, the college search and application process formally begins in the fall of junior year. During this time, students meet with the college counselors for full class modules, essay writing and application workshops, drop-in application help sessions, and one-on-one meetings. These opportunities continue throughout senior year. 

The class of 2024 - 79 students - received 286 acceptances to 126 different colleges in 30 states and was awarded $5.4 million in merit scholarships. 

We are here to:

  • Encourage our students to explore the range of possibilities available and empower them to decide what is right for them
  • Nurture curiosity and self-exploration; counsel students on self-advocacy, setting realistic goals, and academic planning; create a school-wide atmosphere that celebrates students and their future plans across a broad range of options
  • Support students and their families through all aspects of the college search, application, and decision-making processes with attention to individual backgrounds, goals, strengths, abilities, and interests
  • Help students construct an appropriate list of colleges and post-secondary programs; guide students in thoughtful completion and timely submission of all aspects of their college applications; offer regular workshop hours to provide constructive feedback on essays, personal statements, short answers, resumes, financial aid, and scholarship applications; counsel on final decisions
Families in grades 9 through 12 may access more detailed information, including grade-level timelines and suggested readings, in the OnCampus College Counseling page.

We look forward to partnering with you during this exciting time in your child’s life!

Meet Our Team

List of 3 items.

  • Leah Hoffman

    Director of College Counseling
    336-945-3151 ext. 371
    Email

  • RJ Hooker

    Associate Director of College Counseling
    336-946-1658
    Email

  • Nikole Kelly

    Associate Director of College Counseling
    336-945-3151
    Email

What Our Parents Say

“Working with the college counseling services at FCDS was a game-changer for our family. The counselors were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, guiding our child through every step of the college application process. Their personalized advice and encouragement made what could have been a stressful experience much more manageable. We were impressed with how they helped our child find the perfect college fit, ensuring they felt confident and well-prepared.” – Mark, Parent ’24
“I can't say enough about the tremendous work the college counselors did with and for our sons.  They got to know the boys very well. The boys met regularly with their counselor, and the counselors provided sage guidance as they wrote essays and navigated the application process. College Counseling is one of the signature features of a student's FCDS experience.” – Ed, Parent ’24
 
“Our college counselor was indispensable in guiding and assisting my two sons through the college process. My sons, my husband, and I knew that help was just an email away. Honestly, I cannot imagine going through the process with our sons without this assistance. We are incredibly grateful to FCDS for all they did to help our boys navigate a new school, culture, and college applications.” – Robin, Parent ’24
Forsyth Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, college preparatory, independent school for preschool through high school located in Lewisville, NC, just outside of Winston-Salem. Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
5501 Shallowford Road
Lewisville, NC 27023
Phone: 336-945-3151