Counselors work with small groups and individual students during Freshman year to assist with the transition to high school. Counselors discuss academic issues such as: study skills, organizational skills, grades, preparation for exams, graduation requirements and planning for the future. Personal issues such as social adjustments, peer relationships and school involvement are also addressed.

Counselors assist students with academic issues including classroom performance, academic difficulty, study skills, effective communication with teachers, and perspectives on academic credentials. Using a team approach with teachers, support staff and parents, Counselors can help plan steps to improvement and success. Students experiencing learning struggles and difficulties may be interested in investigating the St. Joseph Program. Students should see their Counselor for more information.

Often of more immediate importance is the need for personal counseling. Counselors are available to students in many areas of need, with the fullest confidentiality. In particular, students are encouraged to speak one-on-one with their counselor about concerns such as personal, peer and family relationships, stress, depression, anxiety, concentration difficulties, substance use and abuse, eating issues, self-esteem, pregnancy, and suicidal thoughts and feelings. As the need arises, students and families are referred to professional resources outside of The John Carroll School.

Counselors assist in resolving conflicts in regard to student disagreements and low-level disciplinary problems. Students will meet in a private, safe and confidential setting until the identified issue is resolved. Referrals to the Conflict Resolution Program will be submitted by administration.

Bullying, harassment or intimidation of any student on school property or at school-sponsored functions or by the use of electronic technology is prohibited in all Archdiocese of Baltimore Schools. Such behaviors are contrary to school life in a Christ-centered community, which respects the dignity and uniqueness of all God’s children. To foster a school environment where all students are educated in a safe and caring atmosphere, all Archdiocesan schools will follow established procedures for prevention and intervention. Students should see a Counselor immediately or complete an Archdiocese of Baltimore Reporting Form.  

Counselors also participate in many activities throughout the school year, thus interacting and experiencing students in various situations. Senior Unity Day, Homecoming, Spirit Week, team building, class retreats, pep rallies, Athletics events, Fine Arts and Music Program events, theatre productions, Junior Ring Dance, Senior Prom, Patriot Project, Graduation, among others. These activities allow students and Counselors to establish closer bonds.

Junior students will be prepared for the college search and application process. Topics addressed include the student transcript, GPA, SAT and ACT exams, developing a resume, college search websites, college comparisons, college websites, college applications and deadlines, letters of recommendation, campus visits, essays, financial aid and scholarships. Students complete several assignments throughout the course to help them better understand the college process and decide what type of schools in which they have an interest. Many of the assignments are done on our SCOIR site, which is our college application processing system.