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K-12 Classical Christian School

 Academic ADVISING

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What’s next?

Academic Guidance for students at Providence Classical School in Rock Hill, SC.

We recognize that the call upon each student’s life is different. We are confident that each of our graduates will be fully equipped to transition into the university setting. Regardless of what path a student takes, we want to encourage them into an environment where they have the opportunity to continue to grow in knowledge, love of our Lord, wisdom, and service for the glory of Christ.

Whether students are off to a four-year university, enrolling in a community college or vocational training, enlisting in our armed forces, or joining the workforce, our goal is to encourage, counsel, and guide them into the will of God, for we know it is there where they will truly thrive.

 

A letter from your advisor

At Providence, students are prepared to acquire, comprehend, express and defend knowledge from a biblical worldview. Our graduates are equipped to fulfill God’s calling on their lives. They will be able to step confidently onto any college campus and flourish.  My goal is to help students consider all of their options, pray alongside them, and give them the resources they need to succeed. We will look at their interests, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and desires. We will look at college-ready data like finances, GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars, but I will challenge them to dig deeper, cover their decisions in prayer, and seek the Word for direction. Being able to walk alongside our students as they seek the Lord’s calling upon their life is one of the greatest blessings of my life and a privilege that I do not take lightly. Together, we will seek where the Lord is leading, knowing that the time spent at Providence has prepared our students to go confidently into whatever the next chapter looks like! 

 Sola gratia,
Mrs. Patterson
Academic Advisor

 
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Providence Graduates

Providence proudly boasts a 99% acceptance rate of our graduates into applied institutions from 2020-2025. We continue to encourage our graduates to not only aim high but to do so through prayer and ears open for what the Lord has called them to. 

Financial Aid

Although our culture tells us otherwise, it is our desire to guide students in realizing that leaving college does not have to come with massive amounts of student loan debt! The funding opportunities are available if students are willing to put in the effort.

 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Filled out by seniors/parents in the fall of their senior year

  • Not only for need-based aid; also for merit-based qualification. It is important for all students to fill this out.

  • 2026-2027 FAFSA is announced to open on October 1st, 2025 (for seniors planning to enter college in the fall of 2027)

  • As you wait for FAFSA to open:
    – Information needed to fill out FAFSA.
    – Create your FSA ID | Instructions here.

South Carolina State Scholarships

  • Merit-based.

  • Based on ranking starting in 10th grade.

  • At Providence, 8th grade starts cumulative GPA and ranks being built.

Other Scholarships

There is an array of avenues to search for scholarship opportunities. Applying for scholarships is an effective way to lessen the burden of the financial weight of college. Small scholarships can add up and reduce monies needed via loans. Top college admissions advisors recommend seniors apply for scholarships like it is their job!

There are numerous ways to look for scholarships that students may qualify for:

College Fairs

CACRAO Regional College Fair hosted by Winthrop University | Monday, September 22nd | 10:00-11:30am | Contact: rolfm@winthrop.edu

CACRAO Regional College Fair hosted by Fort Mill High School | Monday, September 22nd | 6:00-8:00pm | Contact: rolfm@winthrop.edu

Charlotte Area Christian College Fair hosted by Charlotte Christian School | Monday, September 22nd | 6:00-8:00pm

PSAT/SAT/ACT INFORMATION

Although we do not place an overarching emphasis on standardized testing, we do realize the tests’ importance for college entrance and scholarship purposes.

Providence welcomes homeschoolers on a first-come, first-served basis to test with us for College Board test administrations. Homeschoolers interested in testing at Providence should contact Mrs. Patterson well in advance of the testing date. 

While our teachers do not teach to these tests, to ensure we measure our performance to a common baseline, Providence students take:

IOWA Tests (ITBS)

  • For grades K-8

  • To ensure grade-level equivalency and performance measures

  • At Providence, all grades K-8 have consistently scored at or above grade level for the last four years.

PSAT 8/9

  • Optional 7th and 8th Grade - Spring

  • This Year: Monday, April 27, 2026 at 8:00 am | Cost: $20 | Register here.

  • Required 9th Grade – Spring

    • This Year: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 8:00 am | Cost: $20

  • Allows students to start becoming familiar with the College Board test and gain additional practice and experience

  • While pre-practice is not required, students wishing to prepare for the test can use the following practice test, issued by the College Board

  • Optional Providence 7th and 8th grade test takers must pre-register, but since required, 9th grade Providence students’ FACTS accounts will be billed after test administration.

  • Outside guests interested in testing with Providence should contact Mrs. Patterson for availability.

PSAT 10

  • Required 10th Grade – Spring

    • This Year: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 8:00 am | Cost: $20

  • While pre-practice is not required, students wishing to prepare for the test can use the following practice test, issued by the College Board

  • Providence students’ FACTS accounts will be billed after test administration.

  • Outside guests interested in testing with Providence should contact Mrs. Patterson for availability.

PSAT / NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

  • Required 11th Grade – Fall

    • This Year: Monday, October 20, 2024 at 8:00 am | Cost: $20

  • The “real” PSAT

  • Last practice test students will take before taking the SAT/ACT in the spring

  • Qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship

  • While pre-practice is not required, it is highly suggested at this point -- students wishing to prepare for the test can use the following practice test, issued by the College Board

  • Students are also encouraged to download the Equations to Know document to help prepare for the test's math portion

  • Providence students’ FACTS accounts will be billed after test administration.

  • Outside guests interested in testing with Providence should contact Mrs. Patterson for availability.

While not an exact indicator, the PSAT does give a very close glimpse of score likelihood on the SAT should the student perform similarly. This allows students to see where they need to focus for maximum success. 

Students in tenth grade take a Test Prep course at Providence to help prepare for these standardized tests. Additional outside agencies and tutors are also available, should students desire that route, and should be sought independently.

SAT

  • Required for Seniors – Fall

    • This Year: Monday, October 6th at 8:00 am | Cost: $60

  • Required for Juniors – Spring

    • This Year: Monday, April 27th at 8:00 am | Cost: $60

  • Students are highly encouraged to prepare well for the SAT. Multiple full-length practice tests can be found here.

  • Students are also encouraged to download the Equations to Know document to help prepare for the test's math portion.

  • Outside guests interested in testing with Providence should contact Mrs. Patterson for availability.

ACT

  • Providence encourages students to take the PSAT and ACT in their junior year or earlier.

  • After seeing which test a student performs better on, it is recommended to study to that particular test to improve scores within the junior and senior year.

  • Providence is in the process of becoming an approved ACT testing site.  However, in the meantime, students may visit the ACT website for testing dates, locations, and enrollment.

Comparison information on the PSAT/SAT and ACT can be found here.

PRE-COLLEGE & LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

When considering how to make oneself competitive in applying for college, grades and test scores undoubtedly hold a lot of weight. However, it would be unwise not to place value in extracurricular and other non-academic activities, as most colleges want to see a well-rounded applicant. At Providence, while forming wisdom & virtue, we strive to grow the whole person. We desire to shape students into well-educated, logical human beings who filter the world through the eyes of the Gospel. In such, we want to encourage students to start using what they have learned and practice imparting their knowledge for the benefit of others around the world.

Here you will find linked information for a plethora of opportunities.
New information will be added frequently, so be sure to check back often!  

Volunteer Opportunities

Student Leadership is currently planning volunteer opportunities for the 2025-2026 school year!

Being involved in the House System at Providence is a great way to serve others in our school and community. Learn more about our House System here.

Upcoming Service Projects:

  • Fall Festival with Eastside Baptist Church on Saturday, October 18th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. See your House Bulletin Board and Leadership Team for more information.

  • Individual House Service Project information will be available internally throughout the year.

Other Opportunities

Please note that these events are not vetted by Providence Classical. This is simply to make you aware of the opportunity.

Anderson University Visit | A couple of Providence families are planning to visit Anderson University on October 24-25. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mrs. Swain.

Military Appreciation Day at The Citadel | Saturday, September 6th | 9:00-11:00 am

West Point Admissions Event | September 22nd | Raleigh, NC

College of Visual and Performing Arts: Fine Arts Workshops | Winthrop University

Transcript Requests

  • Official and unofficial transcripts for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available by June 15, 2026.   

  • Any requests for the 2024-2025 academic year and prior can be made by filling out the following form here. 

  • Please allow up to 5 business days for processing of your request. Current students needing transcripts for college or scholarship applications should use this form to request a rush copy. 

  • Transcripts may be sent in electronic format (no charge) or mailed hard copies (fee applies). 

Resources