Student Services Office
Welcome to the Student Services Office Page!
The main goal of the Student Services Office is to meet the individual needs of every student - academic, college, career, social, and emotional. The office provides information regarding course options, scheduling, career development, college search and application process, College Credit Plus, graduation requirements, scholarships, and mental health issues.
Mrs. Laeng is the Guidance Counselor and Mrs. Yarwood is the office secretary. We are both here to help, and we look forward to working with students and their family as they navigate through high school and plan for the future!
nrws_jlaeng@tccsa.net
nrws_ayarwood@tccsa.net
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To register a new or returning student, click the link to Final Forms.
After the online forms have been completed, the Student Services office (419-846-3833) will call you to set up an appointment to complete the registration process, and for our staff to help you and your child select classes. You may print the course selection form for the appropriate grade level and use the Course Selection Book to read course descriptions and feel free to bring questions with you!
Please bring the following important documents with you to your appointment:
Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Immunization Record, 2 items that show Proof of Residency (can be your driver's license and a piece of mail addressed to you at your address), and Custody papers, if applicable to your family. If your child has an IEP, please bring the most recent copy of that document. You may bring originals, and we will make copies of your documents.
We will send a record request form to the previous school for records. However, it sometimes takes several days or even weeks to get records. We cannot rely on getting these important documents from the school, as they are needed to complete registration.
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The below links show the presentations that were given to each grade level at the time of their scheduling meeting.
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REQUESTING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
**Most colleges and employers will ONLY accept transcripts that are sent directly from Northwestern to their registrar/human resources department. To save time, you may request that your transcript is sent directly, rather than to your personal email/address**
Current students: All current students must request a transcript through the Student Services office. At the end of the school year, an unofficial copy of your transcript is mailed home with your report card. For graduating seniors, an official final transcript will be sent to the college that is noted on your Senior Exit Survey. Please notify the Student Services office if your college choice changes once you’ve submitted this form.
2003-present graduates: Transcripts are housed at Northwestern. Please follow the link above to complete a request for a copy of your transcript. These can be picked up, mailed, or e-mailed. There is no fee for transcripts to be sent.
Pre-2003 graduates: Transcript information for 2002 graduates and prior have been microfilmed, and stored at the Tri-County Educational Services Center. We will request a copy on your behalf, however it takes extra time, as we are relying on their ability to send the transcript to us. There is no fee for transcripts to be sent.
*Requesting a transcript during the summer months:
The Student Services office is closed June 1 until the first week of August. If a transcript is needed during this time, you may contact the board office at 419-846-3151. If leaving a message, please include your name (including maiden name, if applicable), date of birth, year of graduation and phone number.
If you took CCP courses while at Northwestern, YOU will have to request your transcript FROM THE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THAT OFFERED THE COURSE.
WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROCESS REQUESTS WITHIN 48 HOURS DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL YEAR. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT GUARANTEED.
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Northwestern Scholarship List – Updated as new scholarships become available
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
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College Athletics
Interested in Playing Sports in College?
There are many opportunities to continue your athletic career after high school. College athletics includes NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III, NAIA, and junior/community college programs (NJCAA).
The best opportunity for each student is different. When considering college athletics, students should look at:
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Academic programs and majors
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College admission requirements
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Cost and financial aid
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Campus environment
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Level of athletic competition
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Roster size and potential playing opportunities
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Athletic scholarships and other financial aid
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Academic support for student-athletes
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Overall college fit
Important: Meeting athletic eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to a college or university. Students must meet both the athletic organization's eligibility requirements and the admission requirements established by the college they plan to attend.
NCAA ATHLETICS
The NCAA includes three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III. Requirements and athletic scholarship opportunities vary by division.
NCAA Eligibility Center
Students considering NCAA athletics should become familiar with the NCAA Eligibility Center early in high school.
Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
View NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements
NCAA Division I
Division I includes many of the largest college athletic programs and offers a highly competitive level of collegiate athletics.
Students planning to compete at a Division I institution must create an Academic and Athletics Certification Account with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet NCAA academic and athletics eligibility requirements.
Division I Academic Requirements
A college-bound Division I student-athlete must:
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Graduate from high school.
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Complete 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits.
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Earn at least a 2.30 NCAA core-course GPA.
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Complete 10 of the 16 NCAA-approved core courses before the beginning of the seventh semester of high school (senior year).
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At least 7 of those 10 courses must be in English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
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Have a final official transcript with proof of graduation submitted to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
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Receive academic and athletics certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Division I – 16 Core-Course Requirements
Subject
Required
English
4 years
Mathematics – Algebra I or higher
3 years
Natural/Physical Science
2 years
Additional English, Math or Science
1 year
Social Science
2 years
Additional approved core courses
4 years
Total
16
The four additional courses may come from approved English, mathematics, science, social science, world language, comparative religion or philosophy courses.
The Division I 10/7 Rule
Students considering Division I athletics should pay particular attention to the 10/7 rule.
Before the beginning of the seventh semester of high school, a student must have completed:
10 NCAA-approved core courses, including at least 7 in English, math or science.
Students should work with their school counselor throughout high school to make sure they are on track.
View Current NCAA Division I Requirements
NCAA Division II
Division II offers highly competitive college athletics while generally providing a different balance among academics, athletics and the overall college experience.
Students planning to compete at a Division II institution must create an Academic and Athletics Certification Account with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Division II Academic Requirements
A college-bound Division II student-athlete must:
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Graduate from high school.
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Complete 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits.
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Earn at least a 2.20 NCAA core-course GPA.
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Have a final official transcript with proof of graduation submitted to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
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Receive academic and athletics certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Division II – 16 Core-Course Requirements
Subject
Required
English
3 years
Mathematics – Algebra I or higher
2 years
Natural/Physical Science
2 years
Additional English, Math or Science
3 years
Social Science
2 years
Additional approved core courses
4 years
Total
16
View Current NCAA Division II Requirements
NCAA Division III
Division III offers competitive intercollegiate athletics while emphasizing academics and the overall college experience.
Important Facts About Division III
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Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
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Students may receive academic scholarships, merit aid, need-based aid and other institutional financial assistance.
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Division III institutions establish their own admissions and academic standards.
NCAA Registration Requirement
Beginning with students entering college in Fall 2026, all incoming Division III student-athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to obtain an NCAA ID number.
Domestic students generally create a free NCAA Profile Page. International Division III student-athletes require athletics eligibility certification and should create the appropriate certification account.
View Current NCAA Division III Requirements
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL NCAA-APPROVED COURSES
Not Every High School Course Counts for NCAA Eligibility
This is especially important for students and families to understand:
A course can count toward Northwestern High School graduation requirements but not qualify as an NCAA-approved core course.
Students considering NCAA Division I or Division II athletics should review Northwestern's NCAA-approved course list and work with their school counselor when planning their high-school schedule. This should happen prior to your senior year of high school. If you drop a scheduled class please let your counselor know immediately. Ultimately, a student athlete is responsible for tracking and meeting NCAA academic eligibility.
Find Northwestern High School's Current NCAA-Approved Courses
NCAA High School Core-Course Search
Search for:
Northwestern High School
West Salem, OhioStudents should verify the current approved course list before making scheduling decisions because NCAA-approved course lists can change.
YOUR NCAA CORE-COURSE GPA IS DIFFERENT FROM YOUR HIGH SCHOOL GPA
The NCAA calculates a student's core-course GPA using only NCAA-approved core courses.
This means the GPA appearing on a student's Northwestern High School transcript may be different from the GPA the NCAA uses to determine eligibility.
Students should not assume that having a particular overall high-school GPA automatically means they have the same NCAA core-course GPA.
NAIA ATHLETICS
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is separate from the NCAA and provides another opportunity to participate in athletics at four-year colleges and universities.
NAIA schools may provide athletic financial aid.
One major difference between NCAA and NAIA eligibility is that the NAIA does not require students to complete a specific list of NCAA-style core courses.
Students planning to compete at an NAIA institution must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center through PlayNAIA.
NAIA Freshman Eligibility
The NAIA Eligibility Center determines freshman eligibility using the student's high-school academic record.
An entering freshman can become immediately eligible with a final high-school GPA of at least 2.30 on a 4.00 scale.
Students who do not meet the 2.30 standard may have other pathways to freshman eligibility based on the NAIA's current eligibility criteria, including combinations involving GPA, class rank, standardized test scores and other circumstances.
Because individual circumstances can affect eligibility, students should register with PlayNAIA and use the NAIA Eligibility Center to determine their official eligibility.
Learn About NAIA Opportunities for High School Students
Visit PlayNAIA – NAIA Eligibility Center
Explore NAIA Student-Athlete Resources
JUNIOR COLLEGE / COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATHLETICS
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) oversees intercollegiate athletics at many two-year colleges.
Junior college athletics can be an excellent option for students who:
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Want to continue developing athletically.
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Want additional time to develop academically.
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Want a more affordable college option.
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Plan to earn an associate degree before transferring.
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Have not yet found the right four-year athletic opportunity.
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Hope to eventually transfer to an NCAA or NAIA institution.
NJCAA programs compete at different levels, and athletic scholarship opportunities vary by division and institution.
Planning to Transfer Later?
Students hoping to attend a junior/community college and later transfer to an NCAA or NAIA institution should plan carefully.
Eligibility to participate at a junior college does not automatically mean a student will meet NCAA or NAIA transfer eligibility requirements later.
Students should discuss their academic plan with the college's athletic compliance office and academic adviser before selecting courses.
Visit the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
ACADEMIC PLANNING FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETES
High School Graduation Requirements and NCAA Requirements Are Not the Same
Meeting Northwestern High School graduation requirements does not automatically mean a student has met NCAA eligibility requirements.
Likewise, meeting NCAA minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to a particular college or university.
A student may be NCAA eligible but not meet the admissions requirements for the college they hope to attend.
Students Should Aim Above the Minimum
College-bound student-athletes are encouraged to:
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Take a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum appropriate for their abilities.
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Maintain the strongest GPA possible.
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Take four years of English.
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Continue mathematics throughout high school when appropriate.
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Take laboratory sciences.
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Consider advanced, AP and/or College Credit Plus coursework when appropriate.
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Review world-language requirements for prospective colleges.
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Research the admission requirements for individual colleges.
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Review NCAA-approved courses before changing their high-school schedule.
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Meet regularly with their school counselor.
Do not select courses based only on the minimum NCAA requirements. Your academic schedule also needs to prepare you for admission to the colleges you are considering.
WHEN SHOULD I START?
Freshman Year – Grade 9
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Tell your school counselor that you are interested in playing college athletics.
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Begin taking appropriate college-preparatory courses.
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If considering NCAA athletics, make sure courses are NCAA approved.
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Establish strong academic habits.
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Begin learning about NCAA, NAIA and junior-college opportunities.
Sophomore Year – Grade 10
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Continue appropriate NCAA-approved coursework.
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Review academic progress with your counselor.
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Begin researching colleges and athletic programs.
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Learn about the differences among NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and NJCAA programs.
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Begin creating a list of potential colleges.
Junior Year – Grade 11
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Register with the appropriate eligibility organization if you have not already done so.
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Review your NCAA core-course progress and NCAA core GPA.
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Division I students should make sure they will meet the 10/7 requirement before senior year begins.
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Begin communicating directly with college coaches.
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Complete recruiting questionnaires on college athletic websites.
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Develop an athletic résumé.
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Create a highlight/skills video if appropriate for your sport.
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Research each college's admission requirements.
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Discuss official and unofficial visits with college coaches.
Senior Year – Grade 12
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Keep your NCAA or NAIA eligibility account information current.
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Complete all required academic courses.
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Apply separately for admission to colleges.
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Complete the FAFSA and investigate all financial-aid opportunities.
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Complete required eligibility certification steps.
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Have final transcripts and proof of graduation submitted as required.
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Continue working hard academically.
Senior-year grades matter.
RECRUITING: ELIGIBLE DOES NOT MEAN RECRUITED
Academic eligibility and athletic recruiting are two separate things.
Meeting NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements does not mean a college coach will recruit you.
Students should take an active role in the recruiting process rather than waiting for coaches to find them.
Consider:
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Creating an athletic resume.
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Creating a quality highlight or skills social media account.
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Completing recruiting questionnaires on college athletic websites.
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Emailing college coaches directly.
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Attending camps, showcases and prospect events strategically.
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Researching programs at multiple competitive levels.
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Asking coaches where you fit on their recruiting board.
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Asking about expected playing opportunities.
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Asking about roster size.
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Understanding exactly what financial assistance is being offered.
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Considering academic and financial fit in addition to athletics.
A Good Rule to Remember
Choose a college that you would still be happy attending if you were no longer participating in your sport.
Coaches, rosters, injuries, playing opportunities and athletic circumstances can change. The college should still be a good academic, financial and personal fit.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
Athletic scholarship opportunities vary significantly by organization, division, sport, team and institution.
NCAA Division I
Athletic financial aid may be available. Scholarship structures vary by sport and institution.
NCAA Division II
Athletic financial aid may be available and can often be combined with academic, merit and other forms of financial aid.
NCAA Division III
Division III institutions do not award athletic scholarships, but students may qualify for academic scholarships, merit aid, need-based aid and other institutional assistance.
NAIA
NAIA institutions may provide athletic financial aid. Students should ask each institution for a complete explanation of its financial-aid package.
NJCAA
Athletic scholarship opportunities vary by NJCAA division and institution.
Compare the Bottom Line
A larger athletic scholarship does not necessarily mean a college will cost less.
Students and families should compare the college's:
Total Cost of Attendance – Grants and Scholarships = Estimated Family Cost
Compare the total financial-aid package and final cost, not simply the amount labeled as an athletic scholarship.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A COLLEGE COACH
When communicating with college coaches, students should consider asking:
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Where do you see me fitting into your program?
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What position or event are you recruiting me for?
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How many athletes are you recruiting at my position?
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How many athletes are currently on the roster?
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How many athletes typically travel or compete?
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What does a typical weekly schedule look like?
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What are your offseason expectations?
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What happens if I am injured?
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What academic support is available for student-athletes?
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What majors can be difficult to combine with the team's practice or travel schedule?
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What athletic financial aid is available?
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Is athletic financial aid renewable?
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Under what circumstances can my financial aid change?
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What happens if there is a coaching change?
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What should I do next in your recruiting process?
IMPORTANT COLLEGE ATHLETICS LINKS
NCAA
NCAA Eligibility Center
Start here for NCAA eligibility information.Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Create the appropriate NCAA account.NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements
Overview of NCAA eligibility requirements.NCAA Division III Requirements
NCAA High School Core-Course Search
Search for Northwestern High School – West Salem, Ohio, to view the school's current NCAA-approved course list.NAIA
NAIA Information for High School Student-Athletes
PlayNAIA – NAIA Eligibility Center
NAIA Student-Athlete Resources
Junior/Community College
NJCAA – National Junior College Athletic Association
START EARLY!
Students who think they might want to compete in college should tell their school counselor as early as possible- ideally during freshman year.
Waiting until junior or senior year can make it difficult to correct missing NCAA core courses or other eligibility issues.
Students and families should remember:
? High-school graduation requirements and NCAA eligibility requirements are not the same.
? Your overall high-school GPA and NCAA core-course GPA may not be the same.
? NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA requirements are different.
? Athletic eligibility does not guarantee college admission.
? Athletic eligibility does not guarantee recruitment or a roster position.
? Minimum eligibility requirements should not be your academic goal.
? Always verify current requirements with the appropriate athletic organization and the college's athletic compliance office.
College athletic eligibility rules can change. Information on this page is intended as a planning resource for students and families. The NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA and individual colleges and universities make final eligibility and admission determinations.
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