Coleman College Counseling & Career Coaching
8th Grade Services
It's not too early.
Most families assume college planning starts junior year. By then, some of the most important decisions have already been made. Starting in 8th grade doesn't mean pressure. It means perspective. It means your student walks into high school knowing what lies ahead, with a plan that sets them up to make the most of it and a parent who gets to focus on the relationship instead of the logistics.
Strategy Session: Meet, Plan, and Look Forward
A 60-minute session for students and parents covering the topics that matter most as high school begins course selection, extracurriculars, what colleges actually look for, and how to set your student up for success before freshman year even starts.
You'll leave with an action plan your family can reference throughout high school, plus two weeks of follow-up coaching via phone or email for any questions that come up after our meeting.
I limit my roster intentionally, so every family gets the attention they deserve. Booking an 8th grade service also reserves your student's spot for 9th grade services, which fill up quickly.
Questions families ask me about starting in 8th grade.
Q: Isn't 8th grade too early to think about college? We're not talking about applications or essays. We're talking about understanding what high school requires, making smart course choices, and exploring interests before the pressure sets in.
Q: Will my student be in the meeting? The Strategy Session includes both student and parents. The Roadmap Package includes two meetings with your student and a Parent/Family meeting.
Q: What happens after our 8th grade service? Many families continue into 9th grade services, which build directly on what we establish here so the work doesn't start over, it builds. Booking an 8th grade service also reserves your student's spot for 9th grade, which fills up quickly.
9th Grade
Freshman year counts. Let's make sure your student knows it.
The habits, courses, and activities your student establishes freshman year matter more than most families realize. This is the right time to get oriented and get ahead.
I offer three service options for 9th grade families, from a single focused session to full four-year support. The right starting point depends on how much guidance your family wants right now. If you're not sure, the Discovery Call is exactly where we figure that out.
Service Options
Freshman Fast Start
One focused 60-minute session to orient your student and your family at the start of high school. You'll leave with a written action plan, a clear picture of what freshman year should accomplish, and 14 days of follow-up coaching via phone or email.
Best for: Families who want to get oriented and work independently from there.
Freshman Essentials
A fuller freshman year engagement: three meetings covering academic planning, activity strategy, course selection, and a written Freshman Game Plan to carry into sophomore year. Includes ongoing coaching via email, text, or phone for the length of the service.
Best for: Families who want consistent guidance and a real plan in place before sophomore year begins.
The Comprehensive Package: 9th through 12th Grade
Unlimited support from freshman year through college decisions, and beyond. Every step, task, and detail is covered, as well as all research, essay brainstorming and revisions, and student and parent meetings. We work through course selection, activities, testing, unlimited applications, financial aid, and final decisions. No hourly charges, no surprises.
How we work together: The pace shifts naturally as your student moves through high school. In 9th grade, we meet 3–4 times to build the foundation. In 10th grade, 4–5 times to build on it. In 11th grade, we meet monthly as the process takes real shape. In 12th grade, up to four times per month through application season, and then as needed until every decision is made.
Parent meetings are woven throughout. Unlimited coaching via phone, text, and email is always included, so you're never waiting for the next scheduled meeting to get an answer. The package includes a College Check-up meeting during freshman year because the goal isn't just getting in. It's getting off to a great start.
Best for: Families who know from the start that they want to be fully supported through every stage of the process.
Parent Coaching
One-on-one sessions just for you, no student required. Come with questions about timelines, financial aid, testing, the college list, or how to support your student through this process without adding to their stress. Book as many or as few sessions as you need.
Best for: Parents who want their own dedicated time to ask questions and get honest answers.
Want to know exactly what's included? Reach out, and I'll walk you through it during our Discovery Call.
"Good morning! I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am to you. Yesterday we took our son to San Diego. He had such a wonderful time, and he is so excited to go there. It is crazy how hard it is to get into these schools. We really appreciate all your hard work, patience and knowledge that you provided to him." - Parent
Questions families ask about freshman year.
Q: Does freshman year really matter for college? Yes, more than most families realize. The courses your student takes freshman year determine what's available to them sophomore year. The activities they start now are the ones they'll have time to build into something meaningful by the time applications are due. Starting with intention makes a real difference, and it's a difference that compounds across every year that follows.
Q: My student just started high school. Isn't this a lot to think about already? Right now it's about making smart decisions with the information most students simply don't have yet. One meeting can give your student the clarity they need to move through freshman year with purpose instead of just getting through it.
Q: What's the difference between the Fast Start and Freshman Essentials? The Fast Start is one focused session it orients your family and gives you a clear action plan to work from on your own. Freshman Essentials is a fuller engagement: three meetings, a deeper dive into your student's specific situation, and a written Freshman Game Plan to carry into sophomore year. The right choice depends on how much support your family wants right now.
Q: What if we're already mid-year through freshman year? It's not too late, not even close. We start wherever your student is and build from there. A mid-year start still leaves plenty of time to make smart decisions about courses, activities, and the summer ahead.
Ready to give your student a head start?
The first step is a short Discovery Call — free, no pressure, no commitment required, and the fastest way to figure out whether a service is the right fit for your family right now. By the end of our conversation, you'll know exactly where to start — and whether starting now makes sense for your student.