School Counselor (Grades 8–12)

Lake Lure Classical Academy
Reports To: Head of School / Principal
Employment Status: Full-Time, 12-Month (or as designated by the school)

Position Summary

Lake Lure Classical Academy seeks a dedicated and student-centered School Counselor to serve students in grades 8–12. The School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, college, and career development of students while helping cultivate a school culture that promotes virtue, responsibility, and human flourishing.

The counselor serves as a key resource for students, families, faculty, and administration by providing individual and group counseling, coordinating college and career readiness programs, overseeing standardized testing programs, and managing high school scheduling processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Counseling and Support

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students regarding social, emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns.
• Assist students in developing healthy coping skills, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal relationships.
• Respond appropriately to student crises and collaborate with families and community agencies when necessary.
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and parents regarding student needs and interventions.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Participate in student support teams and assist with intervention planning.
• Promote a positive school climate that supports student well-being and character development.

College and Career Counseling

• Develop and implement a comprehensive college and career readiness program for students in grades 8–12.
• Guide students and families through the college admissions process, including:
  • College selection
  • Application procedures
  • Essay development
  • Recommendation coordination
  • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• Assist students in exploring career pathways, vocational opportunities, apprenticeships, military options, and workforce readiness.
• Coordinate college visits, career fairs, guest speakers, and informational events.
• Maintain current knowledge of college admissions trends, scholarship programs, and career opportunities.
• Support students in developing four-year academic plans aligned with postsecondary goals.

Testing Coordination

Serve as the school's Testing Coordinator for applicable secondary assessments, including:

• ACT
• SAT
• AP (Advanced Placement) examinations
• PSAT and PreACT assessments
• Other state or nationally recognized assessments as assigned

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating all testing logistics and administration.
• Maintaining compliance with testing regulations and security protocols.
• Training and supervising test administrators and proctors.
• Managing testing accommodations in collaboration with appropriate personnel.
• Communicating testing schedules, procedures, and results information to students, families, and staff.
• Maintaining required testing records and reports.

High School Scheduling and Academic Planning

• Coordinate and manage the high school master schedule in collaboration with school administration.
• Assist students in selecting courses and developing annual academic schedules.
• Monitor student progress toward graduation requirements.
• Maintain accurate student academic records.
• Support dual-enrollment, Advanced Placement, and other advanced academic opportunities.
• Assist with transcript preparation and verification.
• Ensure compliance with graduation requirements and state reporting expectations.

Family and Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress and support services.
• Conduct parent conferences as needed.
• Develop informational programs for families related to college planning, career readiness, adolescent development, and mental health awareness.
• Establish partnerships with colleges, universities, businesses, and community organizations that benefit students.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.
• Assist with student orientation, registration, and transition programs.
• Support the mission and educational philosophy of Lake Lure Classical Academy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Principal.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, or a related field.
• Eligibility for or possession of a North Carolina School Counselor license.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adolescent development and counseling practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred

• Experience in secondary school counseling (grades 8–12).
• Experience with college admissions counseling and scholarship advising.
• Experience coordinating standardized testing programs.
• Experience with student scheduling software and student information systems.
• Familiarity with classical education or a mission-driven educational environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a school environment and move throughout campus as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office and educational technology equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials related to testing and school operations.

Mission Alignment

The successful candidate will embrace and support the mission of Lake Lure Classical Academy by helping students grow in knowledge, critical thinking, civic responsibility, and virtue while preparing them for success in college, career, and life.