Collaborative. Intentional. Reflective.

The College Counseling Office at Saint James School facilitates a college search and application process that celebrates the talents of our student body, but is also tailored to the needs of every individual. Our comprehensive programming, bespoke guidance and dynamic research tools empower students to engage directly with the college search process, and in doing so engenders a sense of ownership towards their future.

As a small academic and residential community, we take a highly collaborative approach to college counseling. We draw on insights from teachers, coaches, residential advisors, extracurricular sponsors, and the chaplaincy to help our students find their own narrative. Our approach builds a network of support available throughout the application, decision notification and matriculation process.

Our college counseling program is intentional in its aim to find the right ‘fit’ for every student. We encourage strategic college searches that match aspirations with individual needs, whether they be academic, extracurricular, financial, social, etc. Thus, we advocate for a balanced and well-rounded college list that realizes the full potential of every student.

Our approach is inherently reflective as students are asked to think about what they value in their educational experience. In this way, we examine dimensions of fit such as academic offerings, athletics, finances, geography, size and student life in order to develop a college search that aligns with each student in an authentic manner. Hence, our students apply to college with a level of confidence that is genuine, purposeful and forward thinking.

In its totality, our college counseling philosophy is holistic and seeks to echo the larger school mission to “challenge and inspire our students to be leaders for good in the world.”

Robert Harry
Director of College Counseling
Email
(301) 733-9330 ext. 3015

A native of Virginia and an independent school “lifer,” Robert Harry joined Saint James School as Director of College Counseling in 2017. Prior to his arrival, he was Associate Director of The College Center at Battle Ground Academy in Tennessee and directed university placement and college advising programs at Oundle School in the United Kingdom. Robert earned his BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Virginia and his MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Cambridge in England. As a teacher, coach, residential adviser and college counselor, Robert thoroughly enjoys the pace and energy inherent in school communities and is keen to assist Saint James students and families in the college search and application process.