The College & Career Counseling Support That Sets SCVi Apart
At many schools, college counseling is something that happens to seniors: a flurry of applications, deadlines, and good luck wishes right at the finish line. At Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School, a tuition-free public charter school in Castaic, it looks different. Here, the journey toward college and career readiness begins long before Upper School, woven into every grade and supported by a team that genuinely knows your child.
It Starts Earlier Than You Think
College and career confidence isn’t built overnight and at SCVi, we don’t wait until 11th grade to start. Beginning in middle school, learners are introduced to college-level concepts through a pressure-free, non-credit class designed to build the executive functioning skills and self-awareness needed to thrive later. By the time they step into high school, they’re not starting from scratch. They understand how to manage their time, explore their interests, and think seriously about where they’re headed.
9th grade year, all Upper School learners take Counseling 110, a course dedicated to building the success skills that carry through high school and beyond. From there, every learner has an individual graduation plan, so no one is ever just following a generic checklist toward a diploma.
A Counselor Who Goes the Extra Mile
At the heart of SCVi’s college counseling program is Ms. Kris Nilsen, our dedicated Academic and College Counselor — now finishing her tenth year at our school. She was hired with a specific mission: to build a genuine college-going culture at SCVi. To do that well, she earned her College Counseling Certificate from UCLA, joined national organizations like ASCA and NACAC, and travels to counseling conferences across the country to stay current on the latest in college admissions.
On campus, Ms. Nilsen holds 1:1 college counseling meetings with learners to help them answer the big question: How can I make a choice that is the right fit for my passions and future? When SAT season arrives, she proctors the exam right on campus, so learners can test alongside their peers in a familiar, low-stress environment. She leads the annual trip to the National College Fair in Pasadena, where our learners meet admissions representatives face to face. And she serves as the senior advisor, walking alongside the graduating class through every milestone including Senior Portfolio Defense and even graduation day.
College Connect: Earning Credits While Still in High School
SCVi’s commitment to college readiness takes an exciting new shape with College Connect, a dual enrollment program launching in 2026-27 that allows learners to earn real, transferable college credits right here on our safe, supportive campus. Learners can earn up to 12 transferable credits through three distinct pathways: the College Launchpad, the Biliteracy Pathway, and the Aerospace Pathway. Through College Connect, many learners will enter four-year universities already ahead, saving both time and tuition costs.
What makes this program truly SCVi? There’s no GPA requirement, no entrance test, and no gatekeeping. If a learner hits a rough patch, we adjust the course load and keep cheering them on. College readiness here is not a privilege reserved for the highest achievers. It’s an opportunity built for every learner who raises their hand.
Celebrating What Comes Next
All of this support culminates in a senior year that feels less like a sprint to the finish and more like a celebration of how far each learner has come. From Senior Sunrise to Senior Signing Day — where graduates proudly display the colleges, careers, and pathways they’ve chosen — SCVi makes sure every next step is honored. Because at this small, connected school, we’ve had a front-row seat for the whole journey.
Enrollment is open for 2026-27, learn more about Upper School and College Connect at ileadsantaclarita.org.
About SCVi:
Santa Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. Founded in 2008, we use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. We incorporate technology into every component of our curriculum, and we value and encourage the development of leadership skills by inspiring confidence and character in each of our unique learners. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at http://www.ileadsantaclarita.org. Join our innovative school today!
