Planning life after high school is easier when you know where the resources are. For college and career planning at Derby High, the main hub is the School Counseling and Support Services section on derbyps.org. This guide explains each relevant page so students and families can plan with confidence.
Key takeaways
- School Counseling and Support Services is a top-level menu item on the official site.
- Key pages include College Application Process, NCAA, SAT/PSAT, Scholarships, and Dual Credit Programs.
- Students not headed straight to a four-year college can explore CT Vocational Postsecondary Education and Alternative Opportunities.
- The Counseling Calendar – DHS shows counseling-related dates for Derby High students.
Where college and career resources live
Unlike most high school information, college and career planning pages are not inside the Derby High School section. They sit in the district-wide School Counseling and Support Services menu, which also includes the Counselor Staff list, Mission / Philosophy, ASCA, and Action Plans.
| Page | What it helps with | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| College Application Process | Steps and guidance for applying to college | Junior year and early senior year |
| NCAA | Information for students hoping to play college sports | As early as freshman year |
| SAT/PSAT | College admissions testing information | Sophomore and junior years |
| Scholarships | Scholarship opportunities and information | Throughout senior year |
| Dual Credit Programs | Earning college credit while in high school | When choosing courses |
| National Honor Society | Information about NHS | When eligibility questions come up |
| CT Vocational Postsecondary Education | Career and technical options after high school | Any time from junior year |
| Alternative Opportunities | Other pathways and options | Whenever a different route fits better |
| Counseling Calendar – DHS | Counseling-related dates | Check monthly |
The “best time to visit” column is general planning advice, not a district rule. Your counselor can tell you what timeline fits you.
College Application Process
The College Application Process page is the core planning resource. It sits alongside the NCAA and SAT/PSAT pages. Read it early so deadlines do not sneak up on you. Typical steps in any college search include:
- Building a list of schools that fit your goals
- Requesting transcripts and recommendations through your school
- Writing essays and completing applications
- Exploring financial aid and scholarships
For Derby-specific steps, such as how to request documents from the counseling office, follow the instructions on the official page.
SAT and PSAT
The SAT/PSAT page covers college admissions testing. Test dates and registration are handled through the testing organization, and the College Board website is the national source for those details. Check the Counseling Calendar for any school-based testing dates.
NCAA
Student athletes hoping to compete in college should visit the NCAA page early in high school. Academic eligibility often depends on the courses you take, not just your grades. The national NCAA Eligibility Center explains the requirements, and your counselor can help match them to your schedule.
Scholarships
The Scholarships page gathers scholarship information for Derby students. Check it regularly, because new opportunities can appear throughout the year. Keep a simple tracker with each scholarship’s name, requirements, and deadline. We do not list amounts or deadlines here; always confirm them on the official page.
Dual Credit Programs
Dual credit lets high school students earn college credit while still at Derby High. It can save time and money later. The Dual Credit Programs page explains the options available. Ask your counselor which courses qualify and how credits may transfer.
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society page shares information about NHS at Derby High. If you are curious about eligibility, selection, or service expectations, start there and follow up with the advisor or counseling office.
Career and alternative pathways
College is not the only path, and the counseling section reflects that.
CT Vocational Postsecondary Education
This page highlights vocational and technical education options after high school in Connecticut. It is a good fit for students interested in skilled trades and hands-on careers. Derby High has also showcased its Advanced Manufacturing Pathway, which you can read about in our Derby High School guide.
Alternative Opportunities
The Alternative Opportunities page describes other routes students may consider. Derby also offers RAISE Academy, an alternative high school program at 75 Chatfield Street. Talk with a counselor about which option suits your goals.
Counseling Calendar – DHS
The Counseling Calendar – DHS shows counseling-related dates for Derby High students. Use it alongside the DHS Calendar and the District Calendar. Our district calendar guide explains how the calendars fit together.
A simple planning checklist
- Freshman year: meet your counselor and explore clubs and activities.
- Sophomore year: review dual credit options and read the SAT/PSAT page.
- Junior year: study the College Application Process page and research schools or careers.
- Senior year: apply, track scholarships, and check the Counseling Calendar often.
For more student tools, see our Derby student resources guide, or start with our derbyps.org guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where are college planning resources for Derby High students?
They are in the School Counseling and Support Services section of the official district site, including the College Application Process, SAT/PSAT, NCAA, and Scholarships pages.
Can Derby High students earn college credit?
The counseling section has a Dual Credit Programs page that explains available options. Your counselor can confirm which courses qualify.
What if I am not planning to attend a four-year college?
Explore the CT Vocational Postsecondary Education and Alternative Opportunities pages, and talk with your counselor about career and technical pathways.
