Student Support

Our Student School Support team is dedicated to helping every student succeed both academically and personally. Through the collaborative efforts of our school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers, we provide comprehensive support that addresses not only academic needs but also the social, emotional, and environmental factors that impact learning. By partnering with families, educators, and the broader community, we strive to remove barriers, foster resilience, and ensure all students have the support they need to reach their full potential.

School Counselors

SSPPS School Counselors help every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. They work in partnership with students, families, teachers, school staff, and community resources to help students navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop skills that support success in school and beyond. School counselors provide a variety of supports based on students’ developmental needs and the unique needs of each school. These may include individual and small-group counseling, classroom social-emotional learning lessons, academic and career guidance, and support with transitions and other challenges students may experience. Through these services, counselors help students build skills in areas such as communication, problem-solving, self-awareness, relationships, and decision-making.

Counselors are an important part of each school’s support team and work collaboratively with families and staff to help students feel connected, supported, and ready to learn. They are a family's first point of contact when requesting support for their student.

School Social Workers

SSPPS School Social Workers support students, families, and staff in addressing challenges that may affect a student’s academic success, social-emotional well-being, behavior, or attendance. They help connect students and families with resources and strategies both at school and in the community. School Social Workers provide early support when concerns arise, helping identify and address challenges before they become more difficult to manage. They work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and other school staff to develop supportive solutions that help students feel connected, engaged, and ready to learn.

Associated Clinics of Psychology (ACP)

South St. Paul Public Schools partners with the Associated Clinics of Psychology (ACP) to make mental health support more accessible for students and families. Through ACP’s school-based program, qualified mental health professionals provide services during the school day in a familiar school setting. Services may include diagnostic evaluations, consultation, therapeutic interventions, skill development and stabilization therapy. ACP providers also work with families and school staff to support each student’s individual needs.

School-based mental health services can be a convenient option for families, eliminating the need to travel to an outpatient clinic for appointments. ACP services are available to students in participating schools regardless of insurance coverage, and financial assistance may be available when cost is a barrier. If you think your student may benefit from mental health support, talk with your student’s school counselor. They can help you learn more about the program and whether it may be a good fit for your student.