Counseling

At Greensboro Day School, we support a holistic view of student health and well-being, focusing on students’ social and emotional needs as well as their academic needs.

Strong interpersonal and emotional skills at school are directly related to improved academic and social outcomes, so our focus on whole child health is an essential part of the GDS experience. Three full-time licensed counselors support our students each and every day at GDS, not just when students are facing challenges.

Character and Citizenship

The Counseling Department at Greensboro Day School works closely with school leadership and classroom teachers to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based social and emotional health approach to the ethical and interpersonal foundation for all students. Working with students in the classroom, in groups, and individually creates easy access to a welcoming environment. Each Counselor is available by appointment and on an as-needed basis for both students and their parents.

The mission of the Counseling Department is to promote an overall healthy school climate through an intentional focus on the development of prosocial skills. The Character and Citizenship curriculum is informed by the competencies of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. The Character and Citizenship curriculum, framed by the GDS Cornerstones of Kindness, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, is facilitated through classroom guidance lessons, advisory programming, and campus-wide events for community and belonging.

What We Do

The Lower School Counselor . . .

teaches guidance lessons to all grade levels to enhance social-emotional life skills.
supports students one-on-one, in small groups, or in classroom settings.
educates students on coping strategies, healthy communication skills, and learning to set healthy boundaries.
provides parent education and works with families to build communication skills, positive parenting strategies, and healthy relationships.
works closely with the Learning Support Team and the administration to advocate for students and families.

The Middle School Counselor . . .

provides Character and Citizenship programming to all middle school students to cultivate a culture of belonging.
assists students with goal-setting and healthy decision-making.
supports students one-on-one, in groups, and in classrooms as they navigate ever-changing interpersonal relationships.
educates students on how to process and discuss their own emotions.
brainstorms new ways for students to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
advocates for students and empowers them to advocate for themselves.

The Upper School Counselor . . .

provides Character and Citizenship programming to all middle school students to cultivate a culture of belonging.
assists students with goal-setting and healthy decision-making.
supports students one-on-one, in groups, and in classrooms as they navigate ever-changing interpersonal relationships.
educates students on how to process and discuss their own emotions.
brainstorms new ways for students to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
advocates for students and empowers them to advocate for themselves.

Paws and Connect

From mental health and emotional well-being to academic success and personal growth, the Greensboro Day School counselors explore the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s students.