Counseling and Academic Support Team (CAST)

The Counseling & Academic Support Team

Nine full-time counselors (distinct from our college counseling staff), including doctorates in psychology and a licensed social worker, are readily available to meet with students or parents separately, or speak with families together about challenges they may be facing. In addition to their regular presence throughout the school day, whether in Morning Meetings with students or periodic visits to advisories, for example, our counselors routinely consult with teachers and advisors to support their interactions with Pingry students.

Well-Being and Mental Health Resources

School Counseling

School Counseling comprises four full-time counselors, including certified school counselors, licensed professional counselors, and licensed psychologists, who support students in managing the emotional and social aspects of their school experience, including—but not limited to—academic challenges and growth, relationships, self-advocacy, and identity. They provide support by listening to and advising students, as well as consulting with their teachers and advisors, with the shared goal of enabling our students to best engage with and experience school. When appropriate, counselors work with parents and outside mental health professionals to support the student’s experience in school. While our school counselors have dedicated spaces to meet individually with students, they also work with students in the classroom as part of Peer Leadership and teaching teen Mental Health First Aid. Counselors are also a regular and ongoing supportive presence for student actors/actresses as they prepare for performances or athletic events, and they facilitate and participate in regular student review and student support meetings.

Academic Support (Learning Specialists)

Pingry has four Learning Specialists, including a dedicated learning specialist for each division as well as a K-12 Academic Support Manager. Learning specialists work individually with students to support their general academic learning and specific skill development. They assist students in developing and installing executive functions including, but not limited to, planning, organization, time management, self-monitoring, and workflow management. The Academic Support Manager also works individually with students as well as with faculty to understand and support student learning profiles. While Pingry does not offer special education services, modify its academic program, or offer classroom accommodations, it does offer a limited array of test accommodations for students with documented and qualifying needs. Learning specialists also facilitate and participate in regular student review and student support meetings.

CAST Suite

The CAST Suite is a unique space specifically designed to support the well-being of students and employees: in the ample waiting room, students can informally visit with peers, counselors, or learning specialists; there are five individual private offices for counselors and learning specialists to meet with students; and the the CNTR Space (calm, nurture, tranquil, recharge) is a silent space for self-care, whether that means closing one’s eyes, breathing deeply, painting a rock, meditating, or just enjoying a moment of quiet.