Overview

School Counseling is a process that begins when a student enters kindergarten and continues to facilitate development, decision-making, and adjustment until the formal education process is completed. The school counseling curriculum requires a collaborative effort of the school staff as well as students and parents.


School counseling services must evolve around the needs of the student population identified at each school. The School Counseling program must be inclusive of all students.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District believes that all students are to receive the benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors are a vital link to academic, career, and personal social development of students at all grade levels. Working in collaboration with other education programs, credentialed school counselors ensure equity and access to program services so that every student is challenged and supported to achieve his/her full potential.

Using the American School Counselor Association National Standards for School Counseling Programs, CMS provides a comprehensive program which addresses the academic, career and personal/social (life skills) needs of all students. School counselors are also measuring the results of their program of work and its effects and value to the success of the yearly school program.

  • School counselors advocate for the needs of all students by providing guidance and support to maximize student’s potential and academic achievement. In partnership with other educators, parents, and the community, credentialed school counselors facilitate the support system needed to ensure that all students in CMS are prepared academically and socially with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute at the highest level as productive members of our society.

  • School counselors at all levels provide support for students through classroom lessons, group counseling sessions, individual counseling sessions, consultation with parents and teachers and through collaboration with community resources. Following the School Counseling curriculum outline, counselors conduct many activities which are intended to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that lead to academic, career, and personal/social development.