Future Planning

Future Planning & Post-Secondary Pathways

Franklin Towne Charter High School | 2026–2027

Welcome: Your Path, Your Towne, Your Future

At Franklin Towne Charter High School, we prepare every student to step confidently into their next chapter. Post-secondary success looks different for everyone—which is why FTCHS actively supports and celebrates all pathways:

  • Four-Year & Two-Year Colleges & Universities
  • Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships & Technical Institutes
  • Military Enlistment & ROTC
  • Direct Career & Workforce Entry

Through our dedicated counselor support, on-campus partner visits, Naviance tools, and daily hands-on application labs, we provide every student with the guidance and resources they need to make informed, ambitious decisions.

Fall Fair 09.24.26


Post-Secondary Planning Hub

Explore our specialized hubs for detailed checklists, forms, and guides:

We encourage parents and guardians to explore our Future Planning pages for more in-depth guidance:

🎓 College Planning
Common App, college list building, admissions requirements, essays, and Instant Decision Days.
👉 Go to College Planning →

💵 Financial Aid & FAFSA
FAFSA workshops, financial aid webinars, CSS Profile info, and award letter comparisons.
👉 Go to Financial Aid & FAFSA →

🛠️ Career, Trades & Military
Trade apprenticeships, Williamson College of the Trades, military branches, and career entry.
👉 Go to Alternatives to College →

🏆 Scholarships
FTCHS school-specific awards, local Philadelphia scholarships, and monthly opportunities.
👉 Go to Scholarships Page →

 

You can also watch replays of past webinars on a variety of future-planning topics on our Counselor’s Corner page.

Senior 1st Block: The "Prep Zone" & Post-Secondary Lab

Dedicated daily support is built directly into senior year. Class of 2027 students are encouraged to utilize First Block every week for dedicated post-secondary execution:

  • Mondays — Focused Pathways & Specialized Appointments:
    Dedicated to alternative pathways, military enlistment sessions, Act 158 graduation pathways, and one-on-one appointments.
  • Tuesdays through Thursdays — Open Lab in the Prep Zone:
    Drop-in work sessions with direct counselor support for college applications, essays, trade resumes, transcript requests, and scholarship filings.
  • Note: Senior programming check-ins launch the week of September 14 in the Auditorium. Beginning the week of 9/21, we will meet in the Prep Zone regularly.

2026–2027 Calendar at a Glance

🍂 Fall 2026 Highlights

  • Week of Sept 14: Senior Programming officially launches in 1st Block.
  • Monday, Sept 21: U.S. Navy ASVAB Prep Visit (Block 1).
  • Thursday, Sept 24: FTCHS Post-Secondary Focus Day & Future Fair
    • Morning (Block 1): Penn State On-Site Application Workshop (Includes a 100% Application Fee Waiver for attendees who apply via the PSU portal).
    • 5:15 PM (Auditorium): Senior College Admissions Panel & FTCHS Application Process Roadmap.
    • 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Gymnasium): FTCHS Fall Future Fair during Back to School Night (Over 40+ reps from 4-year universities, community colleges, trade programs, and military branches).
  • Wednesday, Sept 30: Senior FAFSA Kickoff (During Study Halls).
  • Tuesday, Oct 6 (Evening): Senior Parent/Guardian FAFSA & Financial Aid Webinar.
  • Friday, Oct 9: Universal Testing Day (On-campus administration of School Day SAT, PSAT, and ASVAB).
  • Post-Testing Follow-up: U.S. Air Force ASVAB Score Interpretation Session (During Study Halls).
  • Ongoing Fall Events:
    • Instant Decision Days (Featuring East Stroudsburg, Widener, La Salle, and Shippensburg).
    • Manor College Dual Enrollment Tour & Scholarship Event.
    • Trade exploration sessions with Williamson College of the Trades.
    • Weekly partner lunch visits in the cafeteria.
  • November 30: FTCHS Priority FAFSA Completion Target.

🌸 Spring 2027 Highlights

  • February 2027: Understanding & Comparing Financial Aid Packages Workshop.
  • April 2027: Spring School Day Testing (SAT, PSAT, ASVAB).
  • April 2027: Junior Parent Night (Preparing the Class of 2028 for Senior Year).
  • Spring Shift: Open Lab expands to juniors for career lists, college research, and resume prep.
  • May 1, 2027: National Decision Day (Schoolwide celebration of Class of 2027 commitments!).

Grade-by-Grade Roadmap

🎓 Seniors (Class of 2027): Execute & Transition

  • Take regular advantage of 1st Block Prep Zone time.
  • Finalize your applications before Thanksgiving; connect with visiting reps during lunch and Instant Decision Days.
  • File the FAFSA early (target: by November 30).
  • In the spring, analyze your aid packages, compare costs, and lock in your commitment by May 1.

🧭 Juniors (Class of 2028): Explore & Prepare

  • Maintain strong academic momentum—junior year grades are vital.
  • Take the PSAT/ASVAB seriously on Universal Testing Day to unlock options and scholarships.
  • In the spring, begin visiting with lunch reps, building a balanced post-secondary list in Naviance, and drafting your resume in the Prep Zone.

🧱 Freshmen & Sophomores (Classes of 2029 & 2030): Explore & Build

  • Build a solid academic GPA early; high school transcripts begin on day one.
  • Use Naviance to take career cluster finders and personality assessments.
  • Get involved in FTCHS athletics, clubs, and service activities to build leadership experience.