Loudoun County Public School Counselors

Helping Students Succeed in School 

Counselors Help Students Learn

Each school of Loudoun County Public Schools has a school counseling program.  Certified counselors are responsible for the organization and management of guidance services in the school.

Counselors work with students, parents, teachers and administrators to help students succeed in school and prepare for meaningful productive living.  School counseling services are child-centered, developmental and preventive, and encourage students' academic, social/emotional and career awareness at each stage of their development.

   Guidance services are inclusive and respectful of student and staff differences in gender, religion, ethnicity, race, ability, handicapping condition and age.

What Are the Objectives of the School Counseling Program?

The Loudoun County guidance and counseling program provides the students education in :

• becoming self-directive and responsible for their behavior in relation to academic achievement;

• developing positive feelings toward their school environment;

• fostering and supporting responsible behavior and safety;

• understanding the relationship between personal qualities, education and the world of work;

• understanding the character traits consistent with Loudoun County Public Schools ' Character Education program'

• developing problem solving, decision making and coping skills;

• understanding and respecting themselves and others;

• maintaining effective relationships with peers and adults;

• developing effective communication skills; and

• planning for further education

What Does a School Counselor Do?

• Counsels with students individually and/or in groups with signed parental permission

• Provides systematic developmental classroom guidance to all students

• Responds to student needs in crisis situations

• Orients students to new school settings

• Works with absentees, potential dropouts and other at-risk students

• Participates actively in the referral process of students to special programs and/or services

• Participates actively in the referral process of students and/or parents to services and agencies outside of the school

• Analyzes test results to provide information about abilities, achievement, interests and needs

• Coordinates efforts with other school specialists

• Conducts conferences with parents

• Facilitates parent discussion groups

• Helps with individual school, college and career plans

• Coordinates with post-secondary institutions to facilitate college attendance

• Coordinates staff support activities

• Adheres to ethical and legal standards

Why Do Parents Contact a School Counselor?

• Academic achievement

• New school registration, orientation and transition

• Test Interpretation

• Special needs of students

• Student crisis situations

• Family transitions

• Higher education issues

How Is a Student Referred

to the School Counselor?

• Self-referral 

• Teacher, administrator or staff referral

• Parent referral

• Counselor Observation

Minimum Qualifications for a Virginia School Counselor

Master's Degree and State Certification

For More Information About School Counselors Visit the Following Website