The Counselling Team works with students to choose the right classes for their goals, stay on track academically, and navigate everything from wellness to the college application process.
Partner content
Unity, truth, & love in action
On October 12, 1924, 15 boys, three teachers and two Augustinians (members of the same religious order that formed Pope Leo XIV) gathered in Villanova Preparatory School’s Cantwell Hall. It was a simple beginning, and from there, a tradition of learning began to take shape.
On that same day, 100 years later, more than 300 guests gathered in that same place to celebrate how far that beginning has come. What has carried through the decades is a quality Catholic education guided by unity, truth, and love. Today, Villanova continues to support students as they grow in every part of their lives: academically, spiritually, morally, physically, and personally.
Igniting minds
Villanova's college-preparatory curriculum opens doors and sparks curiosity in every student. In English, they explore classic and modern literature while learning how to write and communicate clearly and confidently. In the fine arts, students express themselves through drama, music, film, and art.
When it comes to science, there’s no shortage of options: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Marine Science, and Physics. Students spend time in the lab, testing ideas and applying what they’ve learned, building skills that prepare them for future paths like biotech or environmental engineering.
These offerings represent only a fraction of what Villanova students can do. Here they’re always on the move, whether it’s competing on the field, leading a club, performing in the arts, or giving back through service. It’s where they explore what excites them and pick up skills they’ll carry with them long after.
“Our students truly come alive in our science labs, mastering the complex skills and analytical thinking that top universities demand. They graduate 100% prepared to excel in even the most rigorous college science courses and leave Villanova ready to solve real global challenges.”
Nichia Huxtable, Science Department Chair
Preparing you for what’s ahead
A Villanova education is built with college in mind.
Each year, more than 100 colleges and universities visit the Villanova campus, making it easy to meet admissions representatives, and learn what different schools have to offer.
Villanova Prep organises multiple trips to some of the top 50 universities in the US annually. It’s not uncommon to visit a large school like University of California, Los Angeles and then head to a smaller one like Pepperdine University. Even better, alumni often host the visits, making the experience more personal and welcoming.
Villanova is the only high school in the US to offer an endowed scholarship from the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation. It supports young women interested in pursuing careers in STEM.
Meet Wildcats around the world
Congratulations to Cristian Perez, Class of 2026, on your commitment to the University of Southern California! Cristian chose USC after falling in love with it on a school organized college tour. He is...
Congratulations to Class of 2026 graduate, Peter Jen, on your commitment to Westmont College! Peter chose the beautiful campus of Westmont for the small Christian liberal arts curriculum and...
Congratulations Qingyue “Klein” Hu, Class of 2026, on your acceptance to Pitzer College, one of the 5 Claremont Colleges! Klein chose Pitzer because of her alignment with their five core values....
Jose Arturo Puig Bours
When Jose Arturo Puig Bours, from Ciudad Obregón, Mexico, looks back on his time at Villanova, it’s the little moments that stand out most. Dinners were a great time to decompress, filled with laughter and conversations in the cafeteria. His teachers made a big impact too.
“Ms. Dugan was always incredibly positive, genuinely cared for her students, and had a contagious energy that I’ll never forget,” he says. “One of my favourite memories with her was in senior year; I was studying in the Taylor centre and Ms. Dugan came barging in and screamed ‘THE POPE IS AUGUSTINIAN!!!’ It still makes me smile to this day.”
He’s currently studying Advertising with a minor in Organisational/Industrial Psychology at Pepperdine University, and he says Villanova played a big role in getting him there. “In HL English, we examined the visuals, structure, and literary devices on public service announcements and ads, among other things, which are directly related to my advertising classes,” he shares.
Meanwhile, college counselling support redefined how he saw the application process. He got to talk with college representatives and learned what campus life and housing are like. “It gave me a clear and incredibly insightful perspective into not only what I wanted out of college but helped me realise some things about myself I wouldn’t have otherwise,” he says.
He also still leans on what he learned in science. “I took Biology all my three years at Villanova and it was easily my most challenging class,” Bours says. “I had to work on my memorisation and adjust how I studied, and those habits have stayed with me, even today as I study ethics.”
Jose Arturo Puig Bours, Student
Cristian Perez
For Cristian Perez, a first-generation college student and the son of Mexican immigrants, a full scholarship to a top 30 university once felt out of reach. But after his time at Villanova, he’s heading to the University of Southern California (USC) on a full scholarship.
Perez didn’t hold back during his time at Villanova. He volunteered at a local church and participated in a mock trial. “I am beyond grateful that Villanova allowed me the opportunity to explore my interests,” he explains.
When it came time to apply to college, he leaned on the support of his teachers — especially Ms. Lim. “I went through about three drafts of my essay before sitting in her office, where she made me cry just by being honest about my situation,” he shares. “I was able to see myself and my situation in a new light, something I wouldn’t have been able to do if I had never met Ms. Lim and had the opportunity to receive the college counselling services Villanova offered.”
With Ms. Lim’s guidance and deep knowledge of the college process, Perez found his direction. “She really takes the time to get to know her students,” he adds. “That’s how she helps you figure out what’s actually the right fit.”
“Everything from academics to the community prepared me for university,” he says. “You don’t think of it much during your time in high school, and at times, you may resent it, but everything about Villanova truly prepared me for what I am about to face.”
“Everything from academics to the community prepared me for university,” he says. “You don’t think of it much during your time in high school, and at times, you may resent it, but everything about Villanova truly prepared me for what I am about to face.”
Cristian Perez, Student
My long-term goal is to become a subject matter expert in supply chain, which is the backbone of the industry. I found BGSU's Logistics Systems Engineering program is a combination of engineering and management, which helps me to enhance my knowledge and skills. I joined BGSU in January 2022 and got the opportunity to work as a Graduate Assistant on an industrial project under the guidance of Dr. Sarder.
Swati Arora, India
MS in Logistics Systems Engineering
Hear from the students
Copyright © 2026 Study International, official representative of Villanova Preparatory School