College and Career Counseling
Preparing Students for the Future
At Heritage Classical Academy, we cultivate lifelong learners who think and live for Christ, carrying their education into the world to glorify God and serve others wholeheartedly. For many of our students, this formation continues through higher education.
College and Career Counselor
Mrs. Anne Johns, M.Ed, LSC
Member of the North American Coalition for Christian Admission Professionals (NACCAP)
Meet Mrs. Anne Johns, HCA’s College and Career Counselor
Mrs. Johns partners closely with students and families to thoughtfully consider next steps after Heritage and identify opportunities that offer the right academic, spiritual, and personal challenges. She walks alongside students throughout the application process, whether to a two-year college, a four-year university, missions, workforce training, or the Military. She helps them stay informed, supported, and on schedule so their applications genuinely reflect who they are and the character God is shaping in them. You may contact Mrs. Johns at anne.johns@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
Click here to listen to a Griffin Rundown podcast introducing Mrs. Johns and the College and Career Counseling Program at Heritage.
Program Overview
Heritage partners with Naviance, a comprehensive college and career-readiness platform, to guide students thoughtfully through the college-preparation process. Beginning in ninth grade, students use Naviance to explore strengths and interests, build a resume, research colleges and career pathways, track academic goals, and manage key milestones, including testing, applications, and recommendations.
Through this intentional support, students gain clarity, confidence, and discernment as they prepare for life after Heritage—equipped not only for academic success, but for purposeful living as they seek the path the Lord has set before them.
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Students explore their unique gifts, learning styles, and interests through assessments that highlight their strengths and passions.
Parents gain reassurance knowing their child is making thoughtful choices aligned with their God‑given abilities.
Students build self‑awareness and confidence, empowering them to make intentional decisions about courses, extracurriculars, and long‑term goals.
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Through Naviance, students can research colleges, universities, and career paths to understand what each offers and how it aligns with their talents and aspirations.
Parents can trust that their student is exploring meaningful and well‑matched opportunities.
Students gain a clearer vision for their future and often discover new paths they may not have previously considered.
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Naviance allows students to monitor their academic progress—including coursework, grades, and test scores—so they can stay on track with graduation and college‑readiness requirements.
Parents can feel confident knowing their student is consistently monitoring progress and meeting important benchmarks.
Students build valuable skills in responsibility, organization, and long‑term planning as they take ownership of their academic journey.
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Naviance helps students manage every part of the college application process—from organizing applications and recommendation letters to tracking transcripts and deadlines.
Parents can rest assured that no critical steps are overlooked during this important season.
Students reduce stress, stay organized, and strengthen their chances of success with both college applications and scholarship opportunities.
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Click here for more information about Naviance.
Helpful Resources
At Heritage, we walk alongside students as they prayerfully discern God’s calling for life after graduation. To support this journey, our College & Career Counselor provides grade‑specific To‑Do Checklists that guide students through purposeful steps of academic growth, career exploration, and future planning.
Preparing for What’s Next: Rhetoric School Checklists
Click the links below to access each checklist.
The Common Application (Common App) allows students to apply to multiple colleges through one streamlined platform, and our resources guide families through each step of the process. We provide clear explanations of Common App components, essay prompts, and admission criteria for Christian, public, and private colleges in Ohio.
College Application Criteria and the Common Application
Additional Information
Click the links below to access additional helpful College and Career Counseling handouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every student in our inaugural senior class has been accepted by multiple colleges and/or universities.
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Calvin University
Case Western Reserve University
Cedarville University
Cleveland State University
Colorado Christian University
Geneva College
Grace College & Theological Seminary
Grand Canyon University
Grove City College
Hillsdale College
High Point University
John Carroll University
Kent State University
Liberty University
Malone College
Messiah College
Miami University – Farmer Business School
Ohio Christian University
Ohio Northern University
The Ohio State University
The University of Akron
Villanova University
West Virginia University
Xavier University
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Heritage has established relationships with admissions professionals at colleges and universities nationwide, with particular connections to Ohio institutions and Christian colleges. Many of these schools actively recruit Heritage students and visit our campus, including:
Ashland University
Cedarville University
Covenant College
Cuyahoga Community College
Geneva College
Grand Canyon University
Grove City College
Hillsdale College
Ohio Christian University
Taylor University
The University of Akron
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HCA students participate in the CVCA College Fair, the College & Career Fair at The Chapel in Green, the Northeast Ohio Suburban College Fair at John Carroll University, the NACAC National College Fair CLE at Huntington Convention Center, and the Northeast Ohio Christian College Fair hosted at Lutheran West where HCA maintains established relationships with college admissions personnel.
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Ashland University offers a Summer Academy through their Ashbrook Center. The classes are weeklong residential programs worth two college credits: June 14-20, July 5-11, or July 19-25.
Apply at: Ashbrookacademy.org
*Heritage students receive a discounted rate of $250 (compared to $850 regular cost)
Do you have a question, or would you like to speak with our College and Career Counselor? Please complete the form below, and a member of our team will respond promptly.