There are six counselors at Los Altos High School. All students meet with their counselors for individual prescheduled 30-minute appointments that parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. Topics at these appointments include: progress towards graduation, course selection, review of 4-year plan, post secondary options, college entrance requirements, high school and college testing, summer opportunities, and any other questions that arise. Counselors are also available to assist students when they are experiencing difficulties or have further questions or concerns. Students may stop by the Counseling Office outside of class time to speak with their counselor before school, during brunch and lunch, or after school during normal school hours. Counselors are always glad to see students on a drop-in basis if there is space available. Parents may contact counselors by phone or email or may make an appointment with a counselor by calling the Counseling Secretary, at 960-8823.
Please refer to the Curriculum Handbook and the Los Altos High School website for course descriptions, graduation requirements, UC and CSU entrance requirements, and information about special programs such as ROP, AVID, Opportunity, and Special Education. Additional Curriculum Handbooks are available from Benitisha Winters (650-960-8824) in the administration building.
In addition, students meet with counselors in group settings throughout the year. Counselors visit classrooms such as Freshman Advisory, World Literature, and senior English classes to help students with high school and post-high school planning. A variety of presentations are also given in the theatre during Advisory/Tutorial time. In collaboration with the College/Career Center and the administration, counselors present a number of evening programs each year, informing students and parents about the transition to high school, colleges, the application process, financial aid, and the AP/Honors Program.
The Los Altos High School Counseling Department strives to assist each student in choosing a challenging course of study, finding an appropriate college or university, targeting career opportunities, and having a rewarding experience at Los Altos High School.