At Saint Joseph Academy, counseling is an integral part of the total education program. The counseling program is developmental and outcome-based in nature, taking as its foundation the Saint Joseph Academy philosophy of dedication to the total formation of our students, including spiritual, intellectual, personal, social, and physical development. To this end, the mission of the counseling department is to conduct activities designed to respond to the normal developmental needs of all students in the areas of academic, personal, and social growth. These activities are part of a structured developmental curriculum that is organized around two major areas:As a college prep school in Brownsville, TX, Saint Joseph Academy is committed to delivering a comprehensive and rigorous academic program to its students. Included in SJA’s college-preparatory academic program are a formidable lineup of Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses.

1. Personal development, including academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth; and
   
2. College and career awareness, planning and preparation.

Additionally, the Counseling Department provides support services for parents.

Individual counseling is provided to students for both personal and academic concerns. Grade level counselors work closely with all students at every level to help them deal with the typical challenges of adolescence. Personal attention and professional guidance are the hallmarks of a program that is based on the Marist values of family spirit and presence.

Group counseling programs include personal growth for boys and girls. In addition, counselors facilitate two clubs: the Positive Peer Leadership Team, which provides students with opportunities to promote responsible decision-making, community service, and positive peer relationships and the Say What Bloodhounds whose main goal is to raise awareness on the dangerous effects and addictive nature of nicotine and e-cigarettes.

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Students in 9th and 10th grade take additional assessments that allow them to identify their interests and the types of work activities and careers that match their skills. All students in grades 8 through 11 take the PSAT each October to begin preparing for the SAT college entrance exam. Counselors then meet with students, parents, and faculty to interpret scores and plan strategies for SAT practice.

In the 11th grade, the college application process begins in earnest, when college counselors meet with students and parents in family conferences to get each student started on their individualized college application process. The Counseling Department also works with students in classrooms and hosts an evening meeting for parents to provide information on how to help their children prepare to apply to college.

In the 12th grade, the college counseling staff works closely with each individual student throughout every phase of the application process to ensure that all students have the help they need to find the best college fit for them. In addition, the department holds meetings for parents on college applications and financial aid and hosts many college admission representatives for school visits each year. In September, the Counseling Department sponsors an annual College Fair for Bloodhound students and their parents to help students connect personally with their colleges of interest. A Career Day is held every two years for all students to meet with professionals from the community to learn firsthand about career options. In alternate years, the department sponsors a College Student Forum, during which SJA graduates return to campus to answer questions about their college experience and advise students about how to prepare for college.

Since the college selection process is a complex one involving the entire family, the Counseling Department strives to provide an array of college and career services that lead up to college selection and application by seniors.