November 14 at 10:00 AM: Concurrent Enrollment Webinar. Register
November 21 at 9:30-11:00 AM: College Tour: Cal State University Northridge. Register
November 21 at 10:00 AM: College Info Series: Financial Aid: Merit. Register
November 24-28: Fall Break
December 5 at 10:00 AM: College Info Series: Financial Aid – Need-Based Aid. Register
December 5 at 2:15-4:00 PM: College Tour: Cal Lutheran University. Register
Save the Dates
Prom
April 25, 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Class of 2026 “The Next Chapter Begins” Fullerton Auditorium, Fullerton
June 4, 2026
Calling All Graduating Artists
Each year, graduates receive a special Lookbook featuring their portraits, heartfelt messages from parents, candid photos of talents and hobbies, poetry, and artwork. Graduating learners are invited to submit original artwork for the cover of this year’s Lookbook, inspired by the theme “The Next Chapter Begins.” Please submit artwork by November 7 to highschool@ileadexploration.org. More about the Lookbook and graduation tasks coming soon!
Art Portfolio Workshops
Pursuing art in college? Don't miss the art portfolio workshops hosted by our Engage Art Teacher, Jessica Diaz. On October 24, a representative from Otis College of Art and Design will share portfolio and application tips. Participants also may choose to attend and share their work on November 16 at National Portfolio Day, where accredited colleges will provide reviews and program information. Register for the workshops today! Questions? Email jessica.diaz@ileadexploration.org.
The first set of deadlines is approaching quickly. Early action and early decision deadlines typically fall on November 1 or November 15. Learn more about deadlines .
The University of California and California State University deadlines are on December 1. Please note that the University of California requires four short essays, also known as Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Don’t wait until the last minute!
NOTE: Your counselor’s letter of recommendation deadline is at least three weeks before your application deadline. If you have not filled out the survey in Scoir , don’t wait!
The FAFSA is now open. The deadline is school-dependent. Be sure to check the FAFSA deadline for each school on your list, or simply complete it now to get it out of the way!
Counselor Chat
9th Grade:
Take a Healthy Academic Risk
How could you stretch yourself further academically this year? If things are coming easily to you, think about trying a harder class or something more rigorous. Maybe consider a college course or career technical pathway. Meet with your counselor to discuss all the possibilities!
10th Grade:
Extracurricular Guidance: Do what you love! Deciding how to spend your time while in high school can be intimidating. This video shares the impact focusing on what you love can have on college admissions. Think about the activities that are the most meaningful for you and how you can dig deeper into them for the most meaningful high school experience.
11th Grade:
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment courses at the college is a great way to get a head start on college, attempt more rigorous courses, start a career education pathway, or just take an interesting elective. Research the community college in your community and list at least three courses you might take.
Join us for our Concurrent Enrollment webinar on November 14 at 10:00 AM to learn more! Register.
12th Grade:
FAFSA TheFAFSA opened October 1. Complete your forms prior to the priority deadline for your applications.
Additional tips and resources are available on the Counselor Chat page. Check in each LP for grade-level-specific guidance and videos.
Learner Spotlight
Shermin A.
My name is Shermin A., and I am a 17-year-old iLEAD Exploration senior. ILEAD’s foundation of independence and flexibility has allowed me to grow into a self-reliant learner and pursue my interests beyond the classroom. The program’s free-flowing structure has given me the freedom to explore my passion for the legal field and my long-term goal of becoming a public defense lawyer. My favorite things to do when I’m not chasing this dream or bombarded with homework are writing poetry, reading nonfiction, and spending time with my six-year-old pet bird, Rio, while sipping on a nice cup of tea.
Throughout my hybrid education, I have taken advantage of every opportunity to study the art of rhetoric and political science. Over the summer, I completed an eight-week internship at
a global law firm to further develop my understanding of the legal realm and different law practices. While attending my paid 9-5 internship, I also completed three summer dual enrollment
courses at Irvine Valley College, all with a focus on communications and government. In addition, I participated in the 2025 Boys and Girls State Cohort as a delegate and city councilor,
where we explored the complexities of political and civic engagement.
During the school year, I remain deeply involved in my community, coaching an award-winning middle school debate team, writing for my school newspaper, and serving in executive positions within my school’s student government. Over the course of my time with ILEAD, I have learned that individual critical thinking is an important pillar for humanhood, a lesson I intend to carry with me. Moreover, I take advanced coursework in literature and history, which has built a strong bedrock for my future studies in law and public service.
