ISB's Robust High School Counseling Department

Having access to a high school counseling department is crucial for students throughout their high school journey. Whether they need guidance from a social and emotional counselor, or a university advisor to help them find their best-fit post-secondary pathway, counselors at ISB are an essential resource for students at a pivotal moment in their lives. 

At ISB, our counseling services are divided into two areas: social and emotional counseling (SEL) and the careers and university advising team. 

Social and emotional counseling services

At ISB, we understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for our students to express their needs and concerns.

By developing a trusting relationship between our students and their counselor, we believe this sets a healthy foundation for students to learn and grow.

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Enhancing academic learning

SEL concepts and skills are not a detour from our academic learning, instead they provide the on-ramps to learning.

The five following skills and concepts are integrated in the classroom and contribute to an enhanced learning experience for our students.

1. Self-Awareness 
2. Self-Management 
3. Social-Cultural Competence 
4. Nurturing Relationships 
5. Purposeful Action 

With these tools at hand, our students are equipped to face any challenges they encounter head on.

A methodology that works

To implement our counseling services to students, we utilize a complimentary model, where social and emotional counseling is separate from the careers and university advising team. By employing this two pronged approach, counselors at ISB can focus their time more efficiently and effectively by dividing these areas of expertise. 

According to Michael Maki, a [former] career and university advisor at ISB, by allowing high school social emotional counselors to focus on SEL and by separating the services of university advisors, students receive specialized and individualized care from both avenues. 

“With the complimentary model, you're no longer blending the water between having a social, emotional issue and then having to flip that hat to now talk about a college application,” said Maki. 

Learn more about ISB’s commitment to providing excellence in our counseling services.

University counseling 

At ISB, our Careers and University Advising program is dedicated to connecting and supporting each individual student journey beyond ISB through the team's expertise and insight, and by partnering with families and the wider community. They aim to support student growth and health by developing skills in researching, preparing and submitting competitive applications, and partner with families providing customized information and resources. Find out how ISB's college counseling programs and services works.

The role of our Careers & University Advisors is to facilitate any career related tasks, provide standardized testing advice, as well as help students decide upon majors, career interests, and planning for university. 

Finding their best-fit

Individualizing the college counseling process is essential to helping students find not just the school they want to attend, but the one that aligns with their lifestyle, values and goals. One school might be a great fit for one student, but might not be the best choice for another. 

“It all comes down to the idea of picking the best university for each student,” said Mr. Maki.

Through individual sessions as well as group discussions, students are informed and guided throughout the application process. With a knowledgeable Career and University Advisor working with students and families, our students have the tools at their fingertips to find the right pathway. Learn more how high school counseling helps students find their place in the world.

“Our main goal is to meet students where they're at in the process, regardless of whether they know what career path they want to take, what they want to study, or where they want to go to university. It is our aim to be able to support them and guide them through the decision making process for life after ISB, whether that's a gap year, entering the world of work, or university admissions. That really speaks to our focus on personalization and supporting the kids on their own path,” said Mr. Maki.

Open communication

In order to effectively help our students find their best-fit university, our counselors know it is important to involve the student’s parents at this stage. Keeping everyone informed and up-to-date is crucial in order to make sure decisions are made that are within the scope of the family.

“I call it the golden triangle. You have the student, the university counselor, and the parents, and as a counselor you need to make sure that information is free flowing between all three points. That's when everyone gets what they want out of a university counseling service.” said Mr. Maki.