Counseling
Welcome to the Counseling Department
At St. Pius X, our Counseling Department is dedicated to supporting every student in achieving academic success, emotional well-being, and readiness for the future. Grounded in our Catholic mission, we approach counseling with compassion, respect, and a commitment to the dignity of every individual. With five full-time counselors, we provide personalized guidance and resources to help students thrive in high school and beyond.
Our counselors work with students and families in the following areas:
- College and Career Planning
- College Applications and Financial Aid Guidance
- Social-Emotional Health and Wellness
- Academic Advising and Study Skills Support
- Coordination for Extended Absences
- We take pride in providing a compassionate and collaborative approach to counseling, rooted in our mission to prepare students for lives of meaning, service, and leadership.
Please email Christi Caragher with questions.
Counseling Services
One of the special aspects of St. Pius X is the ability for student/counselor relationships to grow and develop over all four years of a student’s high school experience. This occurs because the counselor works with the student from the first day of school until graduation and works with all aspects of the student’s high school journey.
Academic Counseling
Academic counseling at St. Pius X helps students plan their high school journey with purpose. Counselors assist in course selection, provide strategies for managing time and stress, and guide students through academic challenges to help them reach their potential.
College Counseling
College readiness begins in ninth grade at St. Pius X. Our counselors provide tailored guidance throughout all four years of high school, helping students and families stay informed and prepared for the college admissions process.
- Freshman and Sophomore Years: Counselors help students build strong academic foundations, explore extracurricular interests, and begin thinking about future goals.
- Junior Year: Students participate in a curriculum that explores college and career options, including personality and career assessments, resume building, and major research.
- Senior Year: Individualized support guides students through the application process, including organizing deadlines, completing applications, editing essays, and navigating college decisions.
Additional Services
The Counseling Office also provides:
Work Permits for students under 16.
Certificates of Attendance for learner’s permits and driver’s licenses.
Social/Emotional Counseling
Our licensed and certified counselors are here to support students and families with social and emotional challenges. From navigating stress and anxiety to processing life’s difficulties, we offer a trusted space for guidance. When needed, we connect families with external professionals for additional support.
Additional Services
Work Permits
Students may obtain work permits from the Counseling office. Please note that the law has recently changed and only minors under the age of 16 require a work permit. Please email Mrs. Caragher for more information. Complete information and forms are available at the Georgia Department of Labor website.
Certificates of Attendance
Students need to come in person to the Counseling Office, the Attendance Office or the Front Office. Certificates of attendance are needed to obtain a learner’s permit and a driver’s license.
