About School Counselors

Professional school counselors are leaders who advocate, collaborate, and facilitate individual and system change to ensure every student has the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success and personal growth. There are certified, professional school counselors in each elementary, middle, and high school within MCPS. You can reach your child's school counselor by contacting your child's school.

Department of School Counseling: Mission & Vision

Our Mission:

We are committed to building systemic supports that unite schools in developing high-functioning, collaborative teams dedicated to every student’s academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and post-secondary success. We envision schools where every student defines what success means for themselves and is empowered to make a meaningful impact within their local communities and the global society. All schools will cultivate safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments that honor and support the diverse strengths and needs of all students. All schools will foster systems of psychological safety that empower educators and staff to advocate boldly for students, challenge inequities, and dismantle systemic barriers.

Our Vision:

We envision a unified system of schools operating as a high-functioning, inclusive ecosystem, where collaborative teams and psychologically safe environments remove systemic barriers and advance equity. In every school, students and educators are empowered to define success, pursue opportunity, and transform their communities and the world through academic achievement, social-emotional wellness, and post-secondary readiness.

School Counselor of the Year Awards Program

Learn more about the roles of school-based counselors and get answers to frequently asked questions about:

• All School-based Counseling
• Elementary School Counseling
• Middle School Counseling
• High School Counseling

About School Counseling Services

School Counseling Services works to promote the academic success and personal growth of every student through:

• Supporting the implementation of the MCPS Comprehensive School Counseling Program. 
• Providing staff development, consultation, and resources that enhance the knowledge and skills of school counselors.
• Collaborating with other MCPS departments, higher education, and community agencies.
• Providing education and outreach to parents and other community members.