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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  • 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

  • Click here to view Admission Criteria for Ohio Public and Private Institutions.

  • Click here to view Admission Criteria for Christian Colleges.

  • Click here for a description of the Common App and details regarding its content.

  • Click here for the Common App’s updated essay prompts.

Additional Information

Click the links below to access additional helpful College and Career Counseling handouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Every student in our inaugural senior class has been accepted by multiple colleges and/or universities.

    • Akron University

    • Calvin 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

    • Ohio State University

    • West Virginia University

    • Xavier University

  • 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:

    • Cedarville University

    • Covenant College

    • Geneva College

    • Grand Canyon University

    • Grove City College

    • Hillsdale College

    • Ohio Christian University

    • Taylor University

  • HCA students participate in the CVCA College Fair, the NACAC National College Fair, and the Northeast Ohio Christian College Fair hosted at Lutheran West, where HCA maintains established relationships with college admissions personnel.

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.

What Heritage Parents Are Saying:

  • "As Jarod and I have watched Ben grow from a kindergartner thirteen years ago to a graduating senior this year, we could not be more thankful for his experience at HCA. Through the strength of a classical, Christian education and the faithful spiritual discipleship of his teachers, Ben has been equipped to enter adulthood with the ability to think deeply and live from a Christ-centered worldview. We will forever be grateful for the role HCA has played in shaping Ben’s life."

    -Jarod and Katie Arlia, HCA parents

  • "I am deeply grateful for the faculty and staff at Heritage Classical Academy and for the faithful way they live out the school’s mission each day. Our son is learning to love God first and foremost, to love and serve others, and to think critically while articulating his thoughts with clarity and confidence. I am confident that he will be well prepared for whatever the Lord has in store for him after he graduates from Heritage.”

    - Current HCA Parent

  • "Thank You - The (Rhetoric School Faculty) are caring and loving and committed to my child. I appreciate the love of the Lord and love of our children that the teachers at HCA convey and hold in their hearts. I believe my son is being prepared for the world ahead and will be able to stand strong in his faith as he moves toward identifying a profession."

    -Current Rhetoric School Parent

  • "Mrs. Johns is very helpful and dependable even beyond the school day. She is very committed to making sure that every student succeeds in high school and beyond."

    -Current Rhetoric School Parent