SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
The West Hartford School Counseling Program is based on the belief that every student is important and unique. Our mission is to guide all students toward the best possible educational opportunities in a supportive environment, while promoting an understanding of self and others. School counselors strive to provide students with the skills necessary to become productive and healthy citizens. The School Counseling program is developmental by design focusing on needs, interests and issues related to the various stages of student growth in three domains: personal/social, academic and career/post-secondary planning.
The School Counseling Department provides a program that is comprehensive and developmental in nature and is sequential and designed for all students. Students may meet with their school counselor individually, in small groups or in a classroom setting. School counselors provide educational counseling, career planning, post-high school planning and personal counseling. Each incoming student is assigned to a school counselor. Although school counselors may often initiate an appointment, parents and students are encouraged to make an appointment with their school counselor when necessary.
The School Counseling Department also maintains a College & Career Center, which provides information about occupations, careers, colleges, vocational schools and scholarships. Resources are updated regularly. A trained coordinator who assists students in locating and researching the desired information staffs the College & Career Center. There are numerous books and computer programs designed to facilitate the search. Internet access further enhances a student's ability to utilize a broader range of timely resources.
In an effort to help ALL students make sound, informed decisions as they explore the many pathways from school to career, a wide variety of courses and experiences is available throughout the four years in West Hartford's high schools. Students are encouraged to explore our various course offerings in collaboration with their school counselors, teachers, family and friends to support their post-secondary plans.