School Counseling Services

Elementary school counselors provide classroom lessons on a variety of skills, from decision-making to communication and friendship skills. They also work with small groups of students and individuals on particular topics, as needed. Elementary school counselors can provide a wealth of information to teachers and parents on behavior management and child development issues and can provide referrals to community-based resources.

College & Career Curriculum: Xello

Social/Emotional Curriculum: QuaverReady

Middle school counselors assist with registering and transitioning new students, as well as advising parents and students on course scheduling. They provide classroom lessons and small group sessions on particular skills like conflict resolution, and they meet individually with students in need of additional assistance with personal-social issues. They track students who are failing subjects and offer organization, study skills and goal-setting lessons. In the later years of middle school, there is a focus on college and career exploration to assist students in preparing for high school programming.

College & Career Curriculum: Xello

Social/Emotional Curriculum: BASE Education

Middle School Promotion and Retention Policy

Except as provided in Superintendent Rule 5131.33, in order for a sixth, seventh, or eighth grader to be promoted, the student must:

1. Pass Language Arts/Reading; and
2. Pass Mathematics: and
3. Meet one of the following:
   • Pass Science and Social Studies and at least one Related Arts course; or
   • Pass Science and at least two Related Arts classes; or
   • Pass Social Studies and at least two Related Arts classes. Students failing a required core subject during the school year may attend summer school to achieve a passing grade.

Middle School Program of Studies

High school counselors advise all students on course scheduling, assisting them in making appropriate choices to achieve their future goals. They provide information on programming available in career technology areas, as well as the various levels of academic coursework. They assist with the organization of PSAT/SAT/ACT testing, college/military/business recruitment efforts, scholarship and financial aid opportunities and more. And, as at all levels, they offer counseling services to students who are experiencing problems in any of these areas.

College and career advisors are part of the counseling program in each high school career center. The main focus of these staff members is to provide information to students and their parents on post-high school opportunities. They assist students in the application process for college, arrange opportunities for college, military and business representatives to meet students during the school day, organize the annual college fair, and disseminate information through a monthly newsletter and website.

College & Career Curriculum:  Xello

Social/Emotional Curriculum:  BASE Education

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded a diploma, a student shall be enrolled in Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) and have earned a minimum of 23 credits that include the following:

The Maryland High School Assessment (MHSAs)
Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Curriculum,
Assessment, & Accountability

Helpful Links

ACT

College Board- AP, PSAT, SAT

Dual Enrollment

High School Program of Studies (includes Graduation Requirements & Credit Check Sheet)

NCAA Eligibility

Request to drop an Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors Course

Scholarships / Financial Aid Resources

Student Service Learning High School Guidelines