Go to Marist… Go to College, well for some Marist Students this may happen sooner than they think! On Wednesday, November 14^th Ms. Eisenmenger a Counselor at Marist High School took all of the Marist Seniors in the Focus Program to Farleigh Dickinson University (FDU).

Marist High School’s Focus education program is designed for students of average and above average intelligence that have been diagnosed with a specific learning difference and have an IEP.  This program is unique in its design and is the only one of its kind among Catholic schools in this area.

 When asked the reason for a trip to FDU, Ms. Eisenmenger states, “I try to get them as prepared as possible for life in college–especially on the academic side of things.”  This trip was intended to help familiarize the students with a college environment, which will hopefully alleviate some of the anxiety that comes along with the college transition.  Diamond P. Kirkland, Senior at Marist states: “The tour that we had was a learning experience, it was good because I got to see what the school was about and the different activities and programs they have to offer.”

 FDU has a program called the Regional Center for Students with Learning Disabilities/Special Needs.  Many colleges have programs like this, but FDU runs information sessions throughout the year to educate learning disabled students on what the requirements are to continue getting their academic modifications in college. FDU’s Program consists of an information session, followed by a tour of the campus and lunch with an admissions representative.

 This will be the second year that students from Marist High Schools Focus program attend FDU’s informational session. Seventeen seniors will attend this session and some of the juniors will attend in the spring.

Ms. Eisenmenger states, “It is incredibly important for this population of students to be prepared for success, and I do what I can to get them through the process.”

To date, Marist has helped many Focus students prepare to attend the college of their choice.  Marist High School boasts 100% college acceptance.