Mission and Philosophy




The mission of Douglas Anderson’s school counseling program is to support all students through a comprehensive and developmental approach by addressing the academic, career and personal/social skills necessary to achieve quality learning and lifelong success.  This is accomplished through the counselors’ delivery of guidance and counseling activities as well as through a collaborative effort between the home, school and community to further Douglas Anderson as the leading public arts high school in the nation.


DA School Counseling Vision:  The students at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts will achieve their fullest potential in the arts and academics. All students will graduate as inspired citizens and are prepared for success in college, career and life. The comprehensive school counseling program provides each student the opportunity to grow personally, professionally and academically and facilitates such growth through partnerships with community, family and the school.


Douglas Anderson School of the Arts professional school counselors believe that the school counseling program:


·        is a critical component within the school and is integral to the academic, personal/social, and career development and progress of each student.
·        will be aligned with the needs of the student population as determined by collaborating with the faculty, staff and administration.
·        will be data-driven.
·        will be aligned with the American School Counseling Association’s (ASCA)  National Model and Ethical Guidelines.

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts professional school counselors believe that all students:

·        have dignity and worth
·        have a right to a safe, mutually respectful, healthy and orderly learning environment.
·        will have access to all services provided by the school counseling department

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts professional school counselors:

·        are advocates for all students and collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, parents and the community as it relates to the development of the students personal/social, academic and career goals.
·        will engage in ongoing professional development to maintain quality programs and remain aligned with ASCA’s Ethical Guidelines.