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Vestavia Hills City Schools

Learning Without Limits

School Counseling

School Counseling

The VHCS school counseling program is designed to support the academic, social, emotional, and future-ready development of every student. School counselors work alongside students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to help students feel known, supported, and prepared for success in school and beyond.

School counseling is an important part of the overall educational experience. Through classroom lessons, individual student support, small groups, consultation, planning, and collaboration, counselors help remove barriers to learning and support students as they grow academically, personally, socially, and emotionally.

VHCS school counselors provide a developmentally appropriate program that begins in elementary school and continues through high school. Across all grade levels, students are supported as they build self-awareness, develop healthy relationships, strengthen decision-making skills, explore interests and future pathways, and learn how to advocate for themselves.

Through the school counseling program, students have opportunities to:

  • Feel respected, valued, and supported at school
  • Develop skills for personal growth and responsible decision-making
  • Build healthy relationships with peers and adults
  • Strengthen academic habits, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills
  • Explore college, career, and future opportunities
  • Access support when challenges affect learning, well-being, or school success

School counselors serve as advocates for students and partners with families. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s academic progress, emotional well-being, peer relationships, school adjustment, course planning, college and career readiness, or access to support, your child’s school counselor is a helpful place to start.

  • Families are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor when:

    • Your child is having difficulty adjusting to school
    • You notice changes in mood, behavior, friendships, attendance, or grades
    • Your child is experiencing stress, anxiety, sadness, grief, or peer conflict
    • Your family is experiencing a transition, crisis, or major life change
    • Your child needs help with academic planning, scheduling, or goal-setting
    • You have questions about college, career, or future planning
    • You are concerned about bullying, harassment, safety, substance use, or mental health
    • You are not sure where to start and need help finding the right support

    You do not need to know exactly what kind of support your child needs before reaching out. School counselors can help determine the next step.

  • If you have a concern about your child, please contact your child’s school counselor or school administrator.

    Not sure where to start? Call VHCS Student Services at 205-402-5100 and ask to be connected with your child’s school counselor.