National School Counseling Week runs February 1–5, 2027, a five-day thank-you to the counselors who help students with classes, college plans and life in between.
First Full Week of February
Every year, Monday through Friday, starting on February’s first Monday. The 2027 week runs February 1 to 5, and 2028 falls on February 7 to 11.
That simple rule makes it easy to plan. It also puts the 2029 week on February 5 to 9, so schools can book assemblies and parent nights well ahead.
America’s school counselors’ association runs it, under the name ASCA. The group doesn’t publish the year the week began, and no law sets its dates.
A Week From the Counselors’ Association
Its main job is to focus public attention on what school counselors add to American schools. Its materials stress student success in class and career planning after graduation.
The association itself turns 75 in 2027. That milestone shaped the year’s theme, “School Counselors Make History.”
A second meaning sits behind the theme. In ASCA’s words, it also reflects the history counselors make every day with individual students.
Each year ASCA posts free downloads and promotional items, so schools can plan events without a budget.
Why Ratios Matter
Caseloads are the big issue. ASCA recommends one school counselor for every 250 students.
Most schools fall short. In the 2024–2025 school year, the national average was 372 students per counselor, NCES data show.
Just four states met ASCA’s mark that year. Vermont had the lightest load at 172 students per counselor, followed by New Hampshire at 186.
Hawaii, at 243, and Colorado, at 247, also came in under the line. That leaves most states above the recommended caseload.
Only New Hampshire and Vermont came in under 200 students per counselor.
Lower ratios mean more time per student. That’s why ASCA uses the week to tell families and school boards what counselors actually do.
Ways to Say Thanks
- Write a note to your school counselor about one time they helped you or a classmate through a hard week.
- Ask your principal to recognize counselors at a staff meeting or morning announcement.
- Share a #NSCW27 message about a counselor who changed your path or helped a friend.
- Look up your state’s student-to-counselor ratio and bring it to a school board meeting.
- Download ASCA’s free posters and promotional items for your school.
- Invite a counselor to talk with parents about college and career planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National School Counseling Week a federal holiday?
No. School stays in session, and counselors keep working.
Who presents the week?
The national counselors’ group, known by its initials.
When is the 2030 week?
February 4 to 8, by the California Teachers Association’s calendar.