School counselors do far more than schedule changes and college applications. In many communities, they are the most accessible mental health and planning support students have during the school day. The role is also strained by capacity gaps nationwide.

The American School Counselor Association recommends a 250-to-1 student-to-counselor ratio, but reports the national average was 376-to-1 in the 2023–2024 school year. ASCA publishes both the recommended ratio and the national average, reflecting the scale of responsibility counselors carry.

In that context, these five qualities consistently show up in top-tier counselors:

1. Trust-building

   Students seek help when they feel safe. Great counselors earn that trust through consistency and confidentiality.

2. Clear boundaries and role clarity

   They protect time for direct student services and advocate against being pulled into non-counseling tasks.

3. Data-informed support

   They use attendance, behavior, and course performance patterns to identify students who need early help.

4. Equity-minded guidance

   They address opportunity gaps with intentional advising, especially around advanced coursework and postsecondary pathways.

5. Collaborative leadership

   They build aligned support systems with families, educators, and community partners.

   
   

Counselors operate where academic planning meets mental health and identity development. When schools recognize their work with specificity, it improves collaboration across staff and reinforces that student support is a shared responsibility.

This year, the ASCA recognizes “National School Counseling Week” in the first week of February with the theme “School Counselors Amplify Student Success”. With a tool like Hilight, recognizing the impact members of your staff are having on your school communities becomes achievable every day.

How will you recognize the counselors in your school? Learn more by booking a demo with us!