High School Academic Guidance Counselor

HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC GUIDANCE COUNSELOR: 2026 - 2027

Start Date: August 17, 2026

The Preparatory Charter High School is a tuition-free, college preparatory schooling option for Philadelphia students in grades nine through twelve. Our mission is to promote a nurturing and challenging atmosphere where students will achieve high academic standards and develop essential career skills. We offer full support for English Language Learners,(ELL/ESL) and special education populations. One of the oldest charters in Philadelphia, our sound record for safety and education speaks for itself. We welcome the best candidates to become a part of our dynamic family.

Guidance School Counseling Duties and Responsibilities:

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable Academic & College Counselor to guide students on their path from high school to higher education. You will support students in building strong academic foundations, navigating the college application process, and accessing resources that help them succeed. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about college access, loves data-driven planning, and thrives in a collaborative school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Check-Ins

• Meet regularly with students to review academic progress, address course concerns, and support goal-setting for academic success.
• Collaborate with teachers and families to develop action plans for students who are struggling academically.

9th Grade Tutoring Program

• Coordinate and support the Wednesday 9th grade tutoring program, ensuring students are present and engaged.
• Conduct proactive check-ins with students and their parents/guardians to communicate the importance of the tutoring program and confirm attendance.

SAT Preparation & Coordination

• Serve as the school’s point person for SAT administration, preparation resources, and student support.
• Communicate testing dates, registration deadlines, and preparation opportunities to students and families.
• Identify students who may need additional support or fee waivers and connect them with appropriate resources.

College Fair Coordination

• Plan, organize, and execute the school’s annual College Fair, including outreach to college representatives, logistics coordination, and student preparation.
• Ensure students and families — especially those who are first-generation college-goers — are informed and empowered to make the most of the event.

Charter School Fair

• Attend the annual Charter School Fair to represent the school, build relationships with charter school partners, and gather information to share with students exploring additional educational pathways.

College Visits

• Manage the scheduling and coordination of college representative visits to our school campus.
• Promote visit opportunities broadly to students and track engagement to ensure equitable access.

Naviance Expert

• Serve as the school’s resident expert on Naviance, supporting students in using the platform for college research, application management, and career exploration.
• Provide training and guidance to students, families, and staff on how to navigate and maximize Naviance.
• Ensure data accuracy and keep Naviance records current and well-maintained.

Junior & Senior College and Career Readiness

• Guide 11th and 12th grade students in exploring and planning their post-secondary paths, including two- and four-year college programs, vocational training, military service, and career entry.
• Maintain and regularly update a tracking system documenting each junior and senior’s future plans, application status, and post-graduation intentions.
• Write thoughtful, personalized letters of recommendation for students applying to colleges, scholarships, and employment or training programs.
• Lead and support students and families through the FAFSA completion process, hosting informational workshops and providing individualized guidance to maximize financial aid access.
• Connect students with scholarship opportunities, work-study programs, and other financial resources to support their post-secondary goals.
• Providing social, emotional, academic and college/career counseling
• Knowledge of the college application process, as well as financial aid.
• Providing referrals to/coordinating with outside mental health agencies to support

Student needs

• Identifying and providing services for students with serious mental health issues
• Working closely and communicating with parents and guardians when appropriate
• Providing classroom guidance lessons based on student needs and teacher input
• Managing the Child Study Team
• Writing and managing 504 plans
• Providing social, emotional, academic and college/career counseling
• Assisting in the development and implementation of the guidance curriculum for 9th through 12th
• Providing referrals to/coordinating with outside mental health agencies to support
• Scheduling and managing college representative visits
• Assisting attendance office with truancy program

Qualifications:

• PA Guidance Counselor Certification.
• Successful experience in an urban setting.
• Genuine interest, belief, and care for students’ personal and academic success
• The ability to motivate, support, and challenge students in a student-centered community
• Commitment to professional growth, self-reflection, receptiveness to feedback, and a desire to continuously improve
• A positive mindset and a drive for personal excellence
• A strong sense of professional responsibility as well as personal accountability for student success
• Solutions-oriented resiliency to respond positively and effectively to challenges
• Experience working in diverse settings and/or commitment to improving one’s own cultural competence

Required: Bachelor’ Degree

Certified PA Guidance Counselor

3 years experience in an Urban Setting

10 month position

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $55,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Pennsylvania School Counseling Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $80,000