Xavier’s guidance program is grounded in Ignatian education and vision, which helps young men become individuals of competence, conscience, and compassion.
In the spirit of cura personalis, guidance counselors are concerned with each student’s total development: academically, emotionally, and socially. The high school years are challenging for every student, especially now, and that is why each Xavier student is assigned a guidance counselor to help him through these four important years.
Our responsibility to prepare learners to live, work, and thrive in a changing society is an integral part of Xavier's overall educational program.
Students are assigned a guidance counselor at the beginning of freshman year, and that person will remain the student’s counselor for all four years. Freshmen have group guidance once a cycle throughout the year and discuss a number of issues related to transitioning to high school and acclimating to associated academic, co-curricular, social, and emotional changes. Sophomores meet in small groups once every other cycle throughout the year to discuss topics related to healthy decision-making. During junior year, counselors meet with juniors in small groups every other cycle to discuss social and emotional-related topics as well as to begin the college search process. College counselors take over junior groups in second semester to formally begin the college application process. The guidance curriculum is integrated and articulated throughout grades 9-12 and is developmentally appropriate.
Individual counseling appointments are routinely scheduled throughout the year to check-in with students and scheduled on an as-needed basis as well. Other guidance and counseling services include multi-session support groups, special programs, and prevention education. Additional services include family consultations, crisis intervention, and referrals to outside providers.
Guidance Department
Sara Bacsik
Guidance Counselor
Jimmy Buckley '13
College Counselor
Megan Fraker
Director of College Counseling
Tom Gibbons
College Counselor
Joseph Guglielmo
Guidance Counselor
Pamela Peattie
College Counselor
Jean Sherman P'20
Director of Guidance
Regina Valinoti
Guidance Counselor
Justin Yong
Guidance Counselor