Counselors and psychological services are available at each school in Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) to assist students and parents with social, emotional, academic, and mental health issues.

Counseling Programs
K - 5 Counseling
Many schools participate in a counseling support program staffed by intern counselors under the supervision of licensed psychologists. With parent permission, counselors work with students for a number of social and emotional needs that may be affecting their learning.

6 - 12 Counseling
Intern counselors under the supervision of Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) provide support to students. With parent permission, they work with students individually or in groups.

Three Session Referrals
Counselors, administrators, and psychologists may refer students and their parents to local counselors for additional support. Three counseling assessment sessions are provided at no cost to families.

High School Guidance Programs

High School Guidance Program Review (March 2012) -

Gunn High School and Palo Alto High School serve relatively similar communities, with different guidance counseling models. The purpose of this report is to articulate these guidance models for the Board and the broader PAUSD community, to identify the strengths of each school's model, and to suggest areas of enhancement for each school and for the District. The Appendix to this report contains the detailed project scope and work plan.

Amy Drolette, Coordinator of Student Services

If you have questions, contact Student Services at (650) 329-3776 or btethong@pausd.org



Revised January 2003