The school adjustment counselors help students to overcome problems that impede learning and support them in emotional and psychological growth. Working with the school disciplinary system and other referral sources, they provide direct services to students individually and in groups. Related services include conflict resolution through mediation and follow-up; consultation and advocacy with parents/guardians, staff, numerous agencies and the courts.

Guidance offices are open to all students, their parents/guardians and teachers from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and at other times by special appointments. Students and parents/guardians should check the guidance webpage as well as the Naviance website for up-to-date information and programs.

Students are assigned to a guidance counselor and remain with the same counselor as long as the student is enrolled. An open door policy allows for students to meet with their counselor by appointment. Students are encouraged to meet with counselors whenever there are questions. Counseling sessions that involve personal, social, home and family relations and peer relations are held in strictest confidence at the student’s discretion. Please know, however, all school personnel are mandated reporters of concerns relating to student health and welfare. Students should request a pass from a counselor in advance, except for emergency situations, in which case the student should report to the guidance department for assessment.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to confer with counselors during office hours. Conferences with teachers and counselors with or without students are desirable. Involvement of parents/guardians in the educational programs of students is strongly encouraged. It can be rewarding for students, and provides information about individual progress, adjustment and career plans.

Naviance Family Connection

The guidance department is excited to introduce you to the Naviance Family Connection program for students, parents/guardians, and counselors. This web-based program will assist you with setting personal goals and making career and college planning decisions. There are numerous activities such as Learning Styles Inventory, Personality Inventory, Career Interest Inventory, and College Search. “Family Connection” is linked with “Counselor’s Office” and will allow your guidance counselor to view your results and assist you with making important choices on your future plans. It will also provide you with detailed information and research on career and college options. We encourage you to begin using Naviance immediately and often. As always, your counselor is here to assist you in this process.

Exploration of such plans should be accomplished as early as possible utilizing information in the guidance resource center and discussion of specific programs with one’s counselor. Students are encouraged to meet with representatives from a variety of schools and programs who are regularly scheduled in the center.

Study of schools should not begin later than the junior year because of the importance of making on-site visits. College applications are usually filed in the fall of the senior year; however, there are exceptions that should be discussed with the counselor. Intelligent and realistic decisions about plans will result from considering your interests and desires, aptitudes and academic achievement and intellectual or vocational potential.

Many awards for achievement in various areas of school life are made to Falmouth High School students each year. For seniors, the application process extends from January through June of the senior year. These awards are announced at a special awards night program before graduation. A list of local scholarships and their requirements is made available to students in the guidance center and the Naviance website.

All college bound seniors and their parents/guardians should attend the Financial Aid Planning Night in November/December. Falmouth High School does not endorse, nor recommend students for any of the “Who’s Who” type of publications or contests.

This program offers students the opportunity to take college courses and receive credit towards both their high school and college graduation from a Massachusetts state college or university.  Junior or senior students are eligible to participate if they satisfy the entrance criteria: a GPA of 3.0 or better; receive a recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, and/or principal; and successfully complete the application process. All dual enrollment applications must be received before the start of the junior or senior year.