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Counseling

School Counseling Services

We support professional school counselors as they guide all students to academic and career success.

In partnership with the RPS school community, the counseling program ensures access to an academically challenging environment where students will realize and meet their potential.

The school counselors of Richmond Public Schools believe that: 

  • Each student has dignity and worth, regardless of their individual differences.
  • Each student’s differences and special needs are considered in the planning, implementation, and delivery of the comprehensive school counseling program.
  • All students have the ability to meet their academic potential and become career and/or college ready by graduation.
  • School counselors must be collaborators with and advocates for the students and families that they serve, helping to ensure access to an academically challenging learning environment that inspires and engages all students.
  • Student achievement is enhanced by participation in a comprehensive school counseling program.
  • All students have access to a (full-time, state certified, Master’s degree level) professional school counselor.
  • Data is necessary to continually evaluate and implement the most successful and appropriate interventions for the students in our schools.
  • Adherence to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors allows staff to make decisions based on best school counseling practices.  

Resources

  • Virginia (8VAC20-131-140.C.2) requires every elementary student to have an Academic and Career Plan Portfolio (ACP) - a simple way to help children explore interests and set early goals for the future. Students in RPS begin building their ACP in 5th grade and refine their interests and plans through middle and high school. More information on ACP can be found at VDOE Academic & Career Plan.

    How to Access the ACP:

    • Log in to Clever using your RPS student account.
    • From your Clever dashboard, look for and click on the Virginia Wizard icon.
    • Once Virginia Wizard opens, select Academic & Career Plan (ACP) from the menu.
    • Begin exploring your plan, updating goals, and checking your progress.
  • The Program of Studies is a guide to all the courses offered in RPS middle and high schools. It helps students and families explore class options, understand requirements, and make informed choices that support graduation and future goals.

  • Standard Diploma

    • 22 credits
    • 5 verified credits
    • AP, Honors, IB, DE, WBL, or CTE Credential
    • Virtual Course
    • First Aid, CPR, and AED Training 
       

    Advanced Diploma

    • 26 credits
    • 5 verified credits
    • AP, Honors, IB, DE, WBL, or CTE Credential
    • Virtual Course
    • First Aid, CPR, and AED Training 
       

    Applied Studies Diploma

    • Applied Studies diplomas for students with disabilities are unique to each student. More information can be found here.