The purpose of the Counseling Program is to assist students with their academic planning so they can take full advantage of a range of options upon graduation from high school. UPA’s Counseling Teams include Certificated Academic Counselors, Mental Health Counselors, and Administrators. The majority of guidance services are delivered through group presentations in the classroom during open tutorial or in evening presentations for students and their families. Counseling presentations occur throughout the year with topics that include choosing a college and career, financial aid and course selection. The Counseling Team is available to students and their families for individual appointments for support with:

• College to career planning (including a 4-year plan toward graduation)

• Facilitating positive, collaborative relationships with peers and teachers

• Navigating the high school experience (including time management, involvement in extracurricular activities, self-advocacy, volunteer and internship opportunities)

• Social emotional wellness

Academic Counselors are the point of contact for college representatives, volunteer, and internship opportunities. They also organize UPA’s school-wide and Senior Awards. Academic Counselors support Naviance, UPA’s college and career planning tool, which provides students with personalized surveys and customized career and college exploration resources.