Part of our Decoding High School series — plain-language answers to the questions parents actually ask.
It’s fall, and across our campuses, seniors are getting ready to hit “submit” on their college applications — and a counselor is often the first person families turn to in that moment. But here’s something families don’t always realize: helping with college is just one of the many hats a school counselor wears.
At United Charter High Schools (UCHS), your teen’s counselor supports their whole high school experience — academically, emotionally, and well beyond the college process. Here’s a closer look at the essential work they do.
Academic advising
Your teen’s counselor helps them build a schedule that fits — choosing the right courses, balancing challenge with support, and staying on track for the credits and Regents exams they need to graduate. When a class gets tough or a grade slips, the counselor is there to help them adjust and keep moving forward.
Social-emotional guidance
High school is a season of big changes. A counselor is a trusted adult your teen can turn to — for stress, friendships, confidence, or simply a hard day. Working one-on-one or in groups, they help students build the skills to navigate challenges and feel a real sense of belonging.
Family and community partnerships
Counselors also connect families to the wider web of support around a student. They translate school processes into plain language, link teens to internships and community programs, and keep you in the loop along the way. When families and schools work as partners, students thrive.
College and future planning
When the time is right, counselors guide students through post-secondary planning, too — from exploring colleges and careers to essays, applications, scholarships, and financial aid forms like the FAFSA. At UCHS, this support starts early and grows over four years, so there’s no senior scramble. It’s one reason nearly 100% of our seniors who apply are accepted to college, many of them with scholarships.
Parents are partners, always
Forms, feelings, deadlines, and decisions can be a lot, especially the first time through. You don’t need all the answers; you just need to stay in the conversation. Attend the events, ask the questions, and lean on your teen’s counselor.
Wherever your teen is on the path, now is a great time to check in with your school’s counseling team.
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
