Secondary
ACS Calvert offers U.S. based education in La Paz, fostering excellence and global citizenship
Seccondary Counseling
Supporting Academic, Emotional & College Success at ACS
Welcome to Secondary Counseling at ACS!
Led by Carolina Blanco, our counseling program provides academic, emotional, and college guidance to support every student’s well-being and future success. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, we’re here to help.
Contact: carolina.blanco@acslp.org
Welcome to ACS! I’m Carolina Blanco, the Secondary School Counselor. My role is to support the academic, emotional, and social growth of every student. I’m here to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Students are always welcome to request a meeting, or they may be referred by a teacher, administrator, or parent. If you have any concerns or would like me to meet with your child, feel free to reach out.
Our Purpose
The ACS Counseling Department fosters a safe, inclusive environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally — while staying connected to their cultural identity. We aim to help every student reach their full potential through personalized support.
Core Service
Our Secondary Counseling Program includes:
Individual Planning & Responsive Services
One-on-one sessions, group support, and self-advocacy coaching.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Advisory programs to help students develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive relationships.
Academic & Career Support
Personalized guidance, course selection, and short-term goal setting to maximize learning.
College Counseling
Support for exploring university options, completing applications, and preparing for the next step.
College Guidance with Cialfo
- Research and manage applications to over 25 countries
- Track progress and deadlines
- Receive personalized university recommendations (U.S. algorithm + counselor review)
- Take three self-assessments to better understand learning style and personality
- Connect with counselors, teachers, and parents for a truly collaborative planning process
- Seniors meet 4x per week in dedicated College Prep sessions for focused support.
Our Goal is to empower students with the emotional tools and confidence they need for lifelong success.
Advisory Program
We collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to:
- Monitor student progress
- Address emotional and social needs
- Empower students to become responsible, motivated learners
- Design schedules that challenge and support individual goals
Featured Video
What Teenagers Want You to Know
"Our biggest fear isn’t being rejected — it’s being invisible."
Watch Roy Petitfils discuss how adults can better connect with teens.
Useful Resources
Useful Resources
To View the presentation “How Can My Child’s PSAT Score Report Be Used to Improve Their Scores? ” please click here
To View the presentation “Communicating with Your Teen” click here
To View the video (for middle schoolers) How to Stay Focused click here: How to Stay Focused
Articles
- To View the presentation “How Can My Child’s PSAT Score Report Be Used to Improve Their Scores? ” please click here
- To View the presentation “Communicating with Your Teen” click here
- To View the video (for middle schoolers) How to Stay Focused click here: How to Stay Focused
Websites & Links
- Parent Toolkit – Parent Toolkit is a one-stop resource developed with parents in mind. It’s produced by NBC News Education Nation and supported by Pearson and includes information about almost every aspect of your child’s development, because they’re all connected.
- Parents Helping Parents – This nonprofit, community-based, parent-directed family resource center provides lifetime guidance, supports and services to children with any special need, their families and the professionals who serve them.
Our purpose
We create a learning environment that promotes language and cultural integration while honoring each student’s individual heritage and identity.
Secondary Course Descriptions
Student-Parent Handbook
College and Career Counseling
Planning the Future — Together
At ACS, our College and Career Advising Office supports students as they prepare for life after high school. We encourage every student to take on academic challenges, explore their interests, and plan intentionally for their future — whether that means university, gap years, or other professional pathways
Comprehensive College Guidance
Our program includes:
- Academic planning to match each student with a rigorous, yet balanced, course load
- Career inventories and interest surveys to help students explore future paths
- Group sessions with students in Grades 8–12, and individual meetings starting in Grade 11 or upon request
- Family meetings to support collaborative decision-making throughout the college planning process
Every year, ACS hosts a College Fair, welcoming universities from around the world and offering students the chance to meet admissions representatives in person.
College Planning with Cialfo
ACS uses Cialfo, a leading global college counseling platform, to guide students through every step of the university application process.
With Cialfo, students can:
- Manage applications to 25+ countries
- Receive personalized university recommendations (including U.S. algorithm-based matches)
- Schedule meetings and track deadlines
- Submit transcripts and documents
- Collaborate with counselors and parents
- Sync academic data from the school’s information system
- Complete three personality and learning style assessments powered by Human eSources
Cialfo ensures that students stay organized, informed, and empowered throughout their post-secondary journey.
Secondary
Extracurricular Activities
“There will be obstacles, there will be doubters, there will be mistakes. But with hard work there are no limits” – Michael Phelps
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