School Counseling

School Counselors provide important support for full-time students.

Academic Plan

The academic plan is the result of a collaborative process between the family, admissions office and school counseling department.  The process ensures that students’ specific needs and goals are addressed to help them attain academic success.

The academic plan recommends carefully-tailored placement options based on the student’s talents, skills and educational experiences.  The school counseling department reviews the proposed academic plan and makes adjustments or recommendations for course selection to meet the student’s goals.

Middle School Counseling Services

Beginning in 6th grade, each student has a dedicated school counselor that provides grade-specific direction.  The middle school counselor provides personal, social and academic support through the enhancement of student, parent and staff connections and increased opportunities for student socialization and parent support networking.  Counselors address the academic, personal and social needs of students, collaborate with the student’s teachers, write recommendation letters and help students and their families prepare for high school. In this way, counselors build relationships throughout middle school to help bridge the transition to high school that may be difficult for some students.

The middle school counselor plays a key role in keeping students focused on academic success.  In preparation for high school, 8th graders receive academic and college guidance to ensure they are on track to achieve their post-secondary goals.  In their last year of middle school, students also receive a high school academic plan.

The Laurel Springs middle school program offers students the option to accelerate and prepare for the rigor of high school by taking high school level courses.  This special opportunity allows students to earn credit that applies toward their high school graduation.

Mentoring Program

Laurel Springs Link Crew Connections is a mentoring program that connects 8th grade and high school students to provide a network of support.  Eighth grade students who choose to participate in Link Crew are assigned a high school student mentor based upon their specific goals and needs. Mentors provide support, guidance, assistance, and friendship to help 8th grade students as they prepare for their transition to high school.  In addition, members have the opportunity to create a collaborative newsletter that focuses on their 8th grade experience, where they can share their skills in art and writing.  Students who participate in Link Crew feel a sense of involvement and community.