Counseling

Counseling Vision Statement

At VACS, scholars will be respectful, compassionate, and culturally sensitive members of their diverse community, possessing the interpersonal skills to persevere through adversity and build positive relationships. Through a rich, well-rounded, and rigorous curriculum, every scholar will have the skills to be a lifelong learner with a voice, purpose, and bright future.

Counseling Mission Statement

Our mission is to support and nurture the academic, career, and social-emotional development of our scholars, ensuring their holistic well-being while facilitating an environment conducive to their learning journey.

Counseling Beliefs

  • All scholars have a right to attend a safe and welcoming school environment.
  • All scholars are treated with dignity and respect.
  • All scholars have access to a comprehensive counseling program and a professional school counselor.
  • All scholars’ social-emotional wellness will be supported with priority, to encourage their academic development and future successes.
  • All scholars are accepted and included regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, cultural and ethical considerations, and special needs/learning disabilities.
  • All educators will ensure that scholars are healthy, safe, supported, engaged, and academically challenged.

VACS Believes All Scholars Are:

Valuable • Accepted • Capable • Successful

Counseling Services

Academic

We collaborate closely with scholars and their teams to foster a passion for learning and a sense of pride in achievement. By connecting coursework to real-world applications, we inspire strategic thinking, accomplishment, and balance between academic work and personal life.

Career

We empower scholars with the knowledge and skills for a seamless transition into high school and preparation for future career pathways.

Social/Emotional

We help scholars recognize their strengths and emotional needs, regulate emotions, set meaningful goals, and develop positive coping strategies. Our focus includes resilience, respect, empathy, and developing strong interpersonal skills to foster community connection.

What is SEL?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors to:

  • Recognize and manage emotions
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Demonstrate empathy and concern for others
  • Establish positive relationships
  • Make responsible decisions
  • Handle challenges constructively
  • Promote mental wellness
  • Reduce mental health issues
  • Develop positive coping skills

Practice SEL at Home – Resources for Parents

The Fight for Social Justice – TOGETHER

Resources for families and the community to educate, connect, support, and engage in the fight against racism and social injustice.

Crisis Information

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, use one of these 24/7 hotlines:

Crisis Phone Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Call anytime to connect with a trained counselor.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Get 24/7 text-based emotional support.

The Trevor Project Hotline: 1-877-565-8860

24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.

Mobile Crisis Response (24/7 on-site support):

  • Bucks County: 215-785-9765
  • Delaware County: 855-889-7827
  • Chester County: 877-918-2100
  • Montgomery County: 888-435-7414
  • Philadelphia County: 215-685-6440

Additional Resources:

Counselor Contact

Student Dropbox

Click here to request a meeting about a problem or concern.

Parent Concern Form

Click here to share a concern regarding your scholar.

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one can only remember to turn on the light.”

— Albus Dumbledore