Beverly Hills Unified School District Invests in College, Academic, and Wellness Counseling Departme

Beverly Hills, CA (September 17, 2025) – At the September 9th Board of Education meeting, Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) proudly unveiled the transformation of its College & Career Counseling Department, a comprehensive effort to revamp student support from elementary school through high school graduation. Led by Director of Counseling Kristi Bond and strongly supported by the Board of Education, this restructuring ensures every BHUSD student has access to the academic, college guidance, and wellness needed to thrive.

"Our goal is to provide a seamless, student-centered support system that begins the moment a student enters BHUSD and continues through graduation,” said Kristi Bond, Director of Counseling. “By investing in student wellness, academic advisement, and comprehensive college counseling, we are preparing students for success by ensuring they feel supported, empowered, and prepared for their future.”

Branches of Support

• School Counseling Support (TK-8th grade)
  School counselors play a vital role in supporting the academic, social-emotional, and personal growth of TK-8th grade students. At these formative ages, children are developing not only essential learning skills but also resilience, confidence, and healthy relationships. Counselors provide guidance to help students navigate challenges, build strong study habits, and develop coping strategies, while also collaborating with teachers and families to ensure every child has the tools to succeed. Their presence on campus creates a safe and supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Academic Advisement (9th & 10th grade)
  Academic Advisors guide students in course placement, academic pathways, and personalized support. From planning classes that align with graduation requirements to pulling students in for extra help when challenges arise, Academic Advisors are committed to ensuring each student’s academic journey is tailored and supported. These advisors are instrumental in supporting our students’ transition into high school and throughout 9th and 10th grade.
• College Counseling (11th & 12th grade)
  Dedicated College Counselors provide students and families with individualized guidance on college applications, scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and post-secondary planning. This specialized support reduces the stress and confusion of the college process, ensuring every BHUSD student has a clear path toward four-year universities and beyond, without the need for outside private counselors.
• Wellness & Mental Health
  Wellness counselors are available at every BHUSD campus, providing support for students’ social-emotional needs. At Beverly Hills High School, the NormanAid Wellness Center offers a dedicated space for student well-being and partners with the Maple Counseling Center to provide additional individualized counseling services. At Beverly Vista Middle School, students are supported through BulldogAid, a wellness program designed to meet the unique needs of middle schoolers. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and school psychologists further strengthen these resources, ensuring students across all grade levels have access to professional mental health support.

BHUSD’s reimagined counseling efforts are already receiving state and national recognition:

• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Gold Awards: On September 1st, every BHUSD school earned the PBIS Gold designation, recognizing excellence in fostering safe, positive, and supportive school climates. PBIS aligns closely with the Counseling Department’s mission to support students’ social-emotional growth and readiness to learn.
   
• ASCA RAMP Designation: Beverly Hills High School’s Counseling Team was awarded the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation by the American School Counselor Association. Only 18 high schools in California hold this distinction, marking BHHS as a leader in comprehensive, data-driven counseling practices.

The BHUSD Board of Education has made counseling a top priority, ensuring that the department is structured and resourced to provide continuity of care for every student. By embedding academics, future planning, and wellness into one cohesive framework, the district is setting a new standard for student success in California.

“This transformation is about ensuring that every Beverly Hills student has the tools, support, and opportunities they need to excel,  not just in school, but in life,” said the BHUSD Board of Education President, Rachelle Marcus. “We are proud of the progress already achieved and committed to continuing this investment in our students’ futures.”

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For Immediate Release 
September 17, 2025 

Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected] 
(310) 871-8246 Mobile