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Secondary School Counseling (7-12)

Our school counseling program, built on the Utah State Board of Education’s Counseling Model for Grades 7-12, is all about supporting each student where they are and helping them get where they want to go. We believe in the power of personalized, proactive counseling that focuses not only on academics but also on career exploration, personal development, and mental well-being. Over the years, our program has grown to be more student-centered, continually improving to meet the unique needs of every child. With a dedicated team of counselors, we guide students through their middle and high school years, helping them set and achieve meaningful goals for their future. We’re here to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed both in school and in life.

A school Counselors daily schedule:

  1. Direct Services (80%): This includes one-on-one student planning, crisis support, classroom lessons on academic and career skills, and creating career readiness plans (PCCRs).
  2. Indirect Services (15%): Counselors work with teachers, parents, and community partners to support students’ academic and personal growth.
  3. Admin & Professional Development (5%): Data tracking, program evaluation, and ongoing training help counselors stay effective and focused on students’ needs.

This structure allows counselors to focus on guiding students toward academic and personal success.


PCCR stands for Plan for College and Career Readiness. During the school year, counselors like to meet with each student and their parent for an official PCCR. These meetings last about 30 minutes. In general, we look at how the student is doing academically, emotionally and socially. We evaluate and set new goals to keep the student moving forward toward their academic, career, and life goals.

A four-year plan is crucial because it provides a clear roadmap for students to follow throughout high school, helping them select the right courses, explore career options, and prepare for life after graduation. By planning early and consistently, students are more likely to succeed in achieving their postsecondary goals.

7th Grade Plan for College & Career Readiness

Discussion Topics for 7th Grade

  • What is a school Counselor?
  • Discuss future academic goals & career interests
  • Define & discuss
  • What is college? 1,2,4 or more
  • What are scholarships and financial aid?
  • Interest Inventory (CCA Class)
  • Discuss Career Clusters & Pathways
  • Check on grades
  • Set academic goals
8th Grade Plan for College & Career Readiness

Discussion Topics for 8th Grade

  • Discuss future academic goals & career interests
  • 1,2,4 or more
  • Explore Careers
  • What are Graduation requirements?
  • Importance of GPA
  • Discuss Career Clusters & Pathways
  • View available Courses & Pathways
  • Create students 4 year plan
  • Discuss scholarships
  • How & when to apply
  • What is NCAA?
  • Concurrent Enrollment & AP Courses
9th Grade Plan for College & Career Readiness
  • Graduation requirements.
  • If you have failed a class or are behind on credits –  review the options to make up credit 
  • Discuss future academic goals & career interests
    • 1,2,4 or more
    • What is the ACT? How can you prepare?
  • Discuss Career Clusters & Pathways
  • View available Courses & Pathways
  • Review students 4 year plan
  • Importance of GPA
  • Discuss scholarships
    • How & when to apply
    • Get involved in community & school
  • What is NCAA?
  • How to research and discover colleges
  • Concurrent Enrollment & AP Courses
10th grade Plan for College & Career Readiness
  • Make sure you are meeting the graduation requirements.
  • If you have failed a class or are behind on credits –  review the options to make up credit 
  • Discuss future academic goals & career interests
    • 1,2,4 or more
    • What is the ACT? How can you prepare? 
  • Discuss Career Clusters & Pathways
  • View available Courses & Pathways
  • Review students 4 year plan
  • Importance of GPA
  • Discuss scholarships and how to find and apply
  • Get involved in community & school, track your volunteer hours
  • If you plan on playing sports in college – make sure you are NCAA Eligible 
  • Discuss option and requirements of: 
    • AP Classes 
    • Concurrent Enrollment at Utah Tech University or  Dixie Tech
  • Based on Interest discuss option and requirements of: 
    • AP Classes 
    • Concurrent Enrollment
    • Cosmetology
    • Internships
    • General Education Certificate
    • Boys State / Girls State
    • Governors Honors Academy
    • Sterling Scholars
11th Grade Plan for College & Career Readiness
  • Make sure you are meeting the graduation requirements.
  • If you have failed a class or are behind on credits –  review the options to make up credit
  • Discuss future academic goals & career interests
  • Which Math should I take? 
    • 1,2,4 or more
    • Interest Inventory / Career Exploration
  • Discuss Career Clusters & Pathways
  • View available Courses & Pathways
  • Review students 4 year plan
    • College Interests
    • State vs. out of state
    • Applying for College
    • Touring a college
    • UCAW
  • ACT Prep options
  • Junior ACT test date & how to prepare
  • Discuss scholarships and how to find and apply
  • Get involved in community & school, track your volunteer hours
  • Start a student Resume
  • Discuss FAFSA
    • Paying for college
    • FAFSA Estimator
  • If you plan on playing sports in college – make sure you are NCAA Eligible 
  • Based on Interest discuss option and requirements of: 
    • AP Classes 
    • Concurrent Enrollment
    • Cosmetology
    • Internships
    • DSU General Education Certificate
    • Boys State / Girls State
    • Governors Honors Academy
    • Sterling Scholars
  • Upcoming Important dates for Juniors
  • Additional Resource: Portrait of a graduate
12th Grade Plan for College & Career Readiness
  • Make sure you are meeting the graduation requirements.
  • If you have failed a class or are behind on credits –  review the options to make up credit
  • Discuss future academic goals & career interests
    • Which Math should I take? 
      1,2,4 or more
    • Interest Inventory / Career Exploration
  • Discuss Career Clusters & Pathways
  • View available Courses & Pathways
  • Review students 4 year plan
    • College Interests
    • State vs. out of state
    • Applying for College
    • Touring a college
  • Requesting a HS Transcript
  • Requesting a letter of Recommendation
  • ACT /SAT take or retake options
  • Identify College interests
  • How to apply to colleges
    • Utah College Application Week
  • Discuss the cost of college
  • Discuss scholarships and how to find and apply
    • Where to find my High Schools profile
    • Track your volunteer hours in community & school
  • Student Resume
  • How to defer a scholarship 
  • Discuss FAFSA
    • Paying for college
    • FAFSA Estimator
  • If you plan on playing sports in college – make sure you are NCAA Eligible 
  • Based on Interest discuss option and requirements of: 
    • AP Classes 
    • Concurrent Enrollment at Dixie State
    • University or  Dixie Tech
    • Cosmetology
    • Internships
    • DSU General Education Certificate
    • Boys State
    • Girls State
    • Governors Honors Academy
    • Sterling Scholars
  • Plan for graduation day
  • Upcoming Important dates for Seniors

Tools to use: