“I honestly didn’t know where to start with applying to college. But that didn’t discourage me because I was able to get all the support throughout my time with our college team. They supported me with applying for scholarships, FAFSA, and more.”
– Maya Miller, a recently graduated senior at The Noble Academy
At The Noble Academy (TNA), we are unapologetically college-bound. Our students are exposed to college from day one of their 9th-grade year. We have classes focused on college, many opportunities for students to tour or learn about colleges, and support for college summer programs. This is all thanks to our dedicated college team at TNA.
This four-person-strong team, led by Jazlin Laboy, dean of college, works tirelessly throughout the school year to ensure our students are ready and able to pursue their higher education dreams. This year’s seniors received over 200 acceptance letters and included two Posse scholars with full-ride scholarships to Pomona College and one Questbridge scholar with a full-ride scholarship to Colby College.
The Noble Academy’s Posse and Questbridge Scholars this year.
Here are just some of the ways our college team prepares students for college:
College Seminar Courses
Devonte Walker, an 11th-grade student and upcoming senior at TNA, says, “Pre-college seminar is a cheat code; it prepares you for college before you leave TNA.”
Although all our TNA students are exposed to college as early as their freshman year, the pre-college seminar allows students to better understand the college application process and how to prepare their branding (resume, cover letter, job applications, and more).
Students working in one of The Noble Academy's college seminar classes.
Through the efforts made during their junior year, students arrive for their last year of high school ready to take action to determine their future. All seniors are placed into the “College Seminar.” This class aims to support our seniors through FAFSA, college applications, and scholarship opportunities. Every senior is provided with individual counseling sessions to help them navigate the college application process and select the best college.
“College seminar is the place where we keep our college promise to our students, families, and community,” said Laboy.
Parent Workshops
One of the most impactful supports our college team provides is the parent FAFSA workshops designed to demystify the college process for families. While our FAFSA biweekly workshops are often the most recognized, our programming extends beyond that, covering topics such as understanding financial aid packages, comparing college options, and preparing for the emotional transition of sending a child to college.
The effort put forth by our college team doesn’t go unnoticed. A recent 12th-grade parent, Candice Fleming, stated, “I am grateful that the college team here took time out to host FAFSA workshops throughout the day for senior parents. It helps ease the pressure for me to support my son through college application season.”
College Visits & Fairs
TNA students at this year's Junior College Fair talking with a college representative.
Our efforts to ensure our juniors are equipped with college knowledge continue beyond pre-college seminars. Our junior class also has the opportunity to explore college campuses leading up to the official ACT in the spring. Every year, our students can also attend the Noble Junior College Fair, where they can speak with college reps from over 60+ colleges and universities.
Our seniors, just like our juniors, have access to college campus visits throughout the year and also attend college fairs. These opportunities leave plenty of room for our students to explore colleges in depth to figure out what is the best choice for them.
“Our college team has been doing transformative work, encouraging our students to dream big and supporting them to and through,” said Principal Tierionna Pinkston.
Big shoutout to all the members of our college team:
Jazlin Laboy – Dean of College
Brittany Mascara – College Counselor: College and Career Program Manager
Logan Shearer – College Counselor
Khalil Wilson – College Counselor
