Counseling
Our Mission
The mission of the Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) Professional School Counseling Program is to empower all students to become productive, responsible, and engaged members of society.
In partnership with families, staff, and the community, our school counselors deliver a comprehensive program that supports students’ academic growth, personal and social development, and career readiness.
Address: 17700 Longhouse Lane, Chesterfield, VA 23838
Phone: 804-590-3108 | Fax: 804-590-3375 | School Code: 471-720
At Matoaca High School, our counseling team helps students navigate their academic journey and prepare for life beyond high school. We guide students through:
Transitioning successfully into high school and beyond
Planning academic courses and tracking educational progress
Overcoming personal challenges that interfere with learning
Developing emotional resilience and coping strategies
Interpreting test results and academic data
Exploring post-secondary pathways, including college and career training
Accessing school and community support programs
What Counselors Do
Our licensed counselors are trained to provide both individual and group support. They:
Collaborate with students, parents, and teachers to resolve academic or social concerns
Assist students with special needs and participate in child study or IEP teams
Provide intervention, prevention, and crisis-response services
Refer families to appropriate community or social service agencies
Coordinate school-wide programs on academic achievement, wellness, and college readiness
Help students identify future goals and plan actionable steps toward success
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your student’s counselor at 804-590-3108.
College Visits
College representatives regularly visit Matoaca High School to meet with interested juniors and seniors.
These sessions allow students to learn about admission requirements, campus life, and scholarship opportunities.
Students should:
Research colleges before registering
Select schools that fit their interests and academic standing
Register at least one day prior to the visit
Limit attendance to four sessions per semester
MAHS College Visit Sign-Up Form (SY 2024-25)
Senior Presentation: Imagine Tomorrow
Brightpoint Navigator
- Contact: Elizabeth Farmer
- Email: [email protected]
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)/TRIO
- Contact: Jazmin Brown, EOC Advisor
- Email: [email protected]
- (Mondays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
GRASP/FAFSA
- Contact: Betsy Lemley, GRASP Advisor
- Email: [email protected]
- (Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.)
- How to Prepare for a GRASP Appointment
Scholarships
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers several diploma options for high school students.
For detailed information, visit the Virginia Department of Education website.
If you have questions, contact your counselor at 804-590-3108.
Every year, school counselors meet individually with students to plan and confirm course selections.
Scheduling begins in January, and parents are encouraged to review and verify course choices by the end of March.
Useful links:
Overview
Understanding testing requirements and opportunities is an important step in preparing for college and graduation.
The Counseling Office provides resources, links, and guidance to help students improve their testing performance and make informed decisions about assessments.
Non-profit organizations and educational resources are available to help students strengthen test-taking skills, build confidence, and prepare for standardized exams.
Students and parents can explore the following key testing programs:
ACT
Website: ActStudent.org
The ACT is a nationally recognized college admissions exam administered by a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students through educational and career transitions. It measures academic readiness for college and helps institutions evaluate applicants.
AP Exams (Advanced Placement)
Website: CollegeBoard.org
The Advanced Placement program, created by the College Board, gives high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses and earn credit or advanced placement at participating universities.
Exams include multiple-choice and free-response sections and typically last about three hours.
PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Website: CollegeBoard.org
The PSAT offers firsthand practice for the SAT and provides access to scholarship opportunities through the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Students who take the PSAT in October will receive score reports in January. If absent during distribution, they can pick up reports in the Counseling Office.
SAT
Website: CollegeBoard.org
The SAT measures college readiness and is accepted by most universities in the U.S.
The College Board provides free resources, practice tests, and guides for success including calculator tips and key content updates for the new digital SAT format.
SOL Testing (Standards of Learning)
Program: SOL/W!SE Academy
Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments measure student knowledge across core subjects English, math, science, history/social science, technology, fine arts, and health/PE.
Results help identify strengths and areas for improvement, including for students with special needs.
Students who need SOLs for graduation may attend SOL Academy.
If unsure which SOLs are required, contact your school counselor.
More information is available on the Virginia Department of Education website.
Chesterfield County Public Schools partners with Parchment to manage transcript requests and education verifications.
Parchment provides secure electronic delivery, nationwide access, and real-time tracking for all registered users.
For Current Students
Seniors will receive access to the Transcript Release Form and an activation code from their counselor during fall meetings.
Please do not create a Parchment account before this information is shared.
For Alumni
Former students must create an account directly on Parchment.com.
A processing fee applies for alumni transcript requests.
Privacy Note
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student records are only released to authorized individuals:
For minors (under 18), authorization must come from a parent or guardian.
For students 18 and older, written consent is required before records can be released to anyone else.
Since 2018, all Child Labor Permit (Work Permit) applications in Virginia are processed entirely online.
Students and parents can find and complete the required documents at:
Virginia Electronic Employment Certificate System (VAE-ECS)
Please note:
The school system no longer processes or approves work permit applications. All documentation and verification are handled directly through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.