Counseling

Decatur High School offers a comprehensive school counseling program designed to support the academic, social, and emotional development of all students, ages 13–20. Every student has equitable access to services that promote growth in academics, personal well-being, and future planning.

Our counselors work to remove barriers to learning and create opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential. Through a combination of prevention, intervention, and responsive services, DHS counselors help students develop the skills needed to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals—while also fostering healthy interpersonal and emotional development.

Maintaining confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counseling relationship at Decatur High School. Counselors are committed to respecting students’ privacy and will not share information disclosed during counseling sessions except in specific, limited circumstances. These exceptions include situations involving safety concerns (such as potential harm to self or others), legal obligations, or professional responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the American School Counselor Association’s Ethical Standards for School Counselors.

At Decatur High School, students are assigned to a counselor based on their last name starting in 10th grade and remain with that counselor through graduation (see chart above for assignments). All 9th grade students are supported by a dedicated 9th grade counselor to help ease the transition into high school.
 

School counselors serve as each student’s primary academic advisor. They work closely with students to develop a personalized program of study, ensuring academic success and thoughtful planning for post-secondary goals.
 

In addition, the Graduation Coach and Student Engagement Specialist support students who need extra assistance meeting graduation requirements. Their caseloads include students from the original 9th grade cohort who would benefit from more targeted support.

The Decatur High School counseling program emphasizes equity, access, and success by implementing a data informed counseling program which inspires all students to grow and develop as learners, thinkers, and inquirers. This is accomplished through meaningful, motivating, and rewarding experiences which are facilitated by highly qualified, caring adults in a safe, supportive, and inviting environment that provide resources and remove barriers to help all students achieve their highest potential and prepare for career, college, and life.

The Decatur High School counseling program creates young adults engaged in activities and pursuits that showcase them at their best, achieving their dreams, and making the world a better place. 
(Linked to ASCA Mindsets 1, 3, 4, and 7)
M 1. Every student can learn, and every student can succeed.
M 3. Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities.
M 4. Every student should have access to a comprehensive school counseling program.
M 7. Comprehensive school counseling programs promote and enhance student academic, career and social/emotional outcomes.