The Real Reason Your High Schooler Might Be Falling Behind
By: Daniel Clark
I’ve worked with students that live off 8th Street on the Northside of town and I have students that live off 8th Street at the beach.
After working with students for over 15 years, I can tell you this, whether your child is growing up with more than enough or trying to make it through with just the basics, the advice I give to every parent is the same:
Set up a meeting with your child’s school counselor before the school year starts.
Not later. Not when there’s a problem. Do it now. Here’s why.
1. Counselors Have the Blueprint
School counselors have the inside track. They know the graduation requirements, what programs your child can get into, what classes will open doors, and what opportunities are available that might never get posted online.
That 10-minute conversation could lead to a better class schedule, dual enrollment, scholarships, or even internships. Counselors aren’t just there for emergencies. They’re one of the best tools your child has for long-term success.
2. You Stay Ahead of the Curve
Too often, parents reach out after things go wrong. At that point, class schedules are locked, seats are gone, and options are limited.
When you talk to the counselor before school starts, you’re not reacting, you’re preparing. You can ask questions, advocate for your child, and make sure they’re being placed in classes and programs that fit their goals, not just what was available.
Planning early helps your child walk into day one with confidence and clarity.
3. Your Child Gets Seen
Here’s something important most people don’t realize. The average DCPS school counselor has a caseload of around 350 students. That’s not because they don’t care, it’s because they’re working hard with limited budgets and resources, doing the best they can for a large number of students.
And while I’ve worked with some phenomenal counselors, no one has the time to give each of those 350 students the individual attention they deserve unless someone steps in and makes the connection.
That someone is you.
By setting up a meeting before school starts, you help ensure your child is on the radar. That small step makes it easier for the counselor to support your child throughout the year, whether it’s with grades, college planning, or life challenges.
Final Thought
I’ve worked with students in every situation you can imagine, some without support systems, some with everything in place and I’ve seen firsthand what a difference early parent engagement can make.
If you take 15 minutes to connect with the school counselor now, it can save you and your child months of stress and missed opportunities later.
You don’t need a fancy title.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need to show up.
Hope this helps!!
