The guidance program at CSHM encompasses the spiritual, personal, academic, career, and college instruction of students. The mission and purpose of CSHM is education. The school does not assume the responsibility for psychological counseling or therapy.

The guidance program at CSHM includes: College Counseling, Academic Counseling, Career Counseling

In addition to providing classroom instruction, CSHM incorporates the following counseling activities:​

• Advice and counseling regarding academic subjects, class selection, and progress in school

• Limited guidance to students who present with non-academic personal issues or situations 

• Referrals to Outreach Concern,  marriage and family therapists, child psychologists, licensed educational psychologists, psychiatrists, and similar professionals for diagnosis and treatment; referrals to parents/guardians, with three names of qualified people or entities

• Career counseling and periodic career days or career sessions during which students meet representatives of different professions

• College counseling, sharing information with parents/guardians and students about application procedures, entrance exams, scholarships, and financial aid; schools may also provide catalogs and information sessions

Changes in Schedule

Changing a class or pathway requires completing an application signed by parent, student, teacher, and counseling director. No change may be made after the date specified on the Change of Schedule form unless specifically recommended by the teacher and then only for the most serious reasons.

Criteria for Approved Schedule Changes: Schedule change requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis during the designated add/drop window. To be considered for approval, a requested schedule modification must satisfy all of the following conditions:

• Prerequisite Completion: The student has successfully met all academic prerequisites for the requested course.

• Graduation Track Alignment: The course change ensures continuous progress toward meeting all CSHM graduation requirements.

• Course Availability: Open seats remain available in the requested course section.

• Master Schedule Compatibility: The change can be accommodated within the existing master schedule without creating period conflicts or disrupting required core classes.

Procedure for Addressing Academic Concerns

At Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School, we honor the principle of subsidiarity by encouraging academic concerns to be addressed at the most direct level possible. Students and parents/guardians are expected to follow the step-by-step process below when addressing an academic concern:

• First — Course Teacher: Contact the classroom teacher directly to discuss the concern and allow an opportunity for clarification and resolution.

• Second — Grade-Level Counselor: If the concern remains unresolved after direct communication with the teacher, contact the student’s Grade-Level Counselor for academic guidance and support.

• Third — Assistant Principal of Faculty Affairs: If the matter is not resolved through consultation with the teacher and counselor, contact the Assistant Principal of Faculty Affairs for formal administrative review.

• Further Administrative Review: If unresolved or involving circumstances requiring higher-level intervention, the Assistant Principal of Faculty Affairs may refer the matter to the Principal or designated administrative team.