Counseling

At North Shore Country Day, we believe every student’s story matters. Our counseling team supports students from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a safe and welcoming space where they can share, grow, and feel valued.

Whether a student is adjusting to a new grade, celebrating a success, or working through a difficult moment, we walk alongside them with empathy, care, and encouragement . We partner closely with families, faculty, and staff to help each child develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive and to live out our school’s motto, Live and Serve. Our goal is to foster a culture where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to contribute to their community and beyond.

Overview of services offered

When to Connect with the School Counselor

Families connect with the School Counselor for many reasons, sometimes to plan ahead, sometimes in the moment. You might reach out if your child is:

Adjusting to a new school or continuing support from a previous counselor
Facing a challenge that could use extra care and planning
Navigating a big transition or change at home
Working on skills like self-advocacy, problem-solving, or making friends

How we partner with parents

Talk through parenting questions or child development
Coordinate with outside therapists or providers
Share resources and referrals

And in times of crisis (such as a family emergency, a loss, or difficult news) we are here to listen, support, and help your family find the next steps. No concern is too small, reaching out early helps us work together to make school a safe and supportive place for your child.

Our goal is to foster a culture where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered.

Lower School

Grades 1-5

Our integrated curriculum and program help children see the world through more courageous, compassionate eyes, planting the seed for a lifelong love of learning.

Learn More

Middle School

Grades 6-8

We believe in the unique capabilities
of our adolescent learners, and
our curriculum reflects that. Our teachers challenge students to stretch themselves.

Learn More

Upper School

Grades 9-12

Challenging classes, one-on-one interactions with teachers, long-
block schedules, personalized college counseling, service learning, regular community gatherings—are all part of the experience.

Learn More

Meet Our Counselors

Montserrat Lusarreta

Counseling Department Chair; Lower School Counselor

Terri Webb

Upper School Counselor

Resources

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Affinity Groups

In addition to our social and emotional learning work, NSCD offers affinity groups in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. While the format and activities look different in each division, all groups share the same goal: to provide students with a safe and supportive space to connect with peers who share aspects of their identity. Affinity groups allow students to discuss their experiences, celebrate who they are, and engage in positive identity development, helping them feel seen and valued.

RULER

Our school is excited to begin training in RULER, an SEL program developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. This evidence-based approach helps students, teachers, and families build essential social and emotional skills, making emotional intelligence a lasting part of our school culture. Lower School teachers are starting the process this year, engaging in professional learning that will equip them to model and teach strategies for recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions. Over time, RULER will expand to different grade levels and include classroom lessons for students and opportunities for family engagement, ensuring that the tools and language of emotional intelligence are shared and reinforced both at school and at home.