The transition from middle school to high school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities — and new challenges. Our School Counseling Team plays a vital role in helping Freshmen make a successful and confident start to their high school journey.

Throughout the year, school counselors work closely with students both individually and in small groups to provide guidance, encouragement and practical tools for success. Topics covered include essential academic skills such as time management, organization, study strategies, goal setting and understanding graduation requirements.

Equally important, our school counselors offer support around the personal and social aspects of high school life, including making new friends, navigating peer relationships, adjusting to a new environment and becoming involved in school activities.

Our goal is to ensure each student feels supported, connected and empowered as they begin this important chapter of their educational journey.

Academic success is a shared journey — and our school counselors are here to guide and support every step of the way. Through personalized academic counseling, students receive assistance with a range of academic concerns, including classroom performance, study skills, time management, organization and effective communication with teachers.

Working collaboratively with students, families, faculty and staff, our school counselors help identify challenges, build on strengths and create actionable plans for improvement. Whether a student is striving to enhance their academic performance or facing persistent learning difficulties, our school counseling team offers practical strategies and encouragement to help them reach their full potential.

For students who may benefit from additional academic support, the St. Joseph Program provides targeted resources and structured interventions. Students interested in learning more are encouraged to meet with their school counselor.

We understand that a student's well-being extends far beyond academics. Personal counseling is a vital part of the support we offer, providing students with a safe, confidential space to explore and address the challenges they may face in their daily lives.Our school counselors are available to meet one-on-one with students to discuss a wide range of personal concerns, including peer and family relationships, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, concentration difficulties, substance use, eating concerns, pregnancy and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Every conversation is approached with compassion, respect and the utmost confidentiality.

When appropriate, school counselors may also connect students and families with trusted professional resources beyond the school community to ensure the highest level of care and support. Our goal is to walk alongside each student, offering guidance and encouragement as they navigate life's complexities with resilience and hope.

We believe in fostering a respectful, inclusive and peaceful school environment where students learn to navigate interpersonal challenges with maturity and empathy. The School Counseling Department plays a key role in guiding students through conflict resolution by helping them address disagreements and low-level disciplinary concerns in a constructive and respectful manner.

School Counselors facilitate these conversations in a safe and confidential setting, providing students with the tools to express themselves clearly, listen actively and work toward mutually respectful solutions. The goal is not only to resolve the immediate issue, but also to promote personal growth, accountability and stronger peer relationships.

Referrals to the Conflict Resolution Program are made through school administration, faculty or counselors. Once referred, students are supported through the entire process with the intention of restoring a positive and productive learning environment for all involved.

We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and Christ-centered learning environment where every student is valued and protected. In accordance with the policies of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, any form of bullying, harassment or intimidation — whether in person, online or during school-sponsored events — is strictly prohibited.Such behaviors are fundamentally opposed to the values of our faith community, which upholds the dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual as a child of God. To ensure all students are educated in a supportive and caring atmosphere, our school follows clearly defined prevention, reporting and intervention procedures.

If a student experiences or witnesses bullying, harassment, or intimidation, they are strongly encouraged to speak directly with a school counselor or trusted adult. Students may also complete the confidential Archdiocese of Baltimore Bullying, Harrassment & Intimidation Reporting Form.  

Together, we are committed to fostering a community where all students feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive.

Our counselors are deeply embedded in the fabric of student life beyond the Counseling Office. By actively participating in a wide range of school events and activities, counselors build meaningful relationships with students and gain insight into their unique personalities, strengths and experiences.

From major traditions like Senior Unity Day, Homecoming and Spirit Week to class retreats, pep rallies, Athletics events, and performances from our Fine Arts and Music programs, counselors are present and engaged. They also support milestone moments including the Junior Ring Dance, Senior Prom, the Patriot Project and Graduation.

These shared experiences help foster trust and connection, allowing counselors to support students more holistically — academically, socially and emotionally — while celebrating their growth throughout their high school journey.

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.