Carter Student Advisory
High school student advisory
Personalized executive function support that helps students build stronger systems, greater confidence, and increasing independence.
A Stronger Foundation
Helping Capable Students Turn Potential into Performance
High school asks students to manage increasingly complex academic demands: multiple classes, long-term assignments, extracurricular commitments, changing expectations, and important decisions about what comes next.
Some students need support creating structure and following through consistently. Others are high achievers who want more effective systems, greater balance, or better preparation for college. Many understand the material but have not yet developed the planning, organization, time-management, and self-advocacy skills their workload requires.
At Carter Student Advisory, coaching begins with understanding the individual student, their strengths, goals, learning style, responsibilities, and current challenges. Together, we develop practical systems that fit the student rather than expecting the student to fit a predetermined system.
The goal is not simply to improve performance in the moment. It is to help students become more confident, self-aware, and increasingly independent learners.
Systems That Fit
the Student
Practical tools for planning, organization, and follow-through, designed around how each student actually works.
Read moreAccountability That
Builds Ownership
Consistent coaching helps students reflect, make decisions, follow through, and take increasing responsibility for their work.
Read moreReady for What
Comes Next
Students practice the self-management and self-advocacy skills that high school, college, and greater independence require.
Read more
Where We Begin
Systems That Fit the Student
Effective systems are not one-size-fits-all. We begin by understanding how the student currently approaches assignments, deadlines, studying, and competing responsibilities. We identify what is already working, where the process tends to break down, and which changes would be both useful and realistic.
Together, we create a clear, manageable approach to the week: one reliable place for deadlines, practical ways to break down larger assignments, and routines that reduce uncertainty about what to do next.
The best system is one the student understands, uses, and gradually learns to manage independently.
What We Work On
- Bringing classes, portals, assignments, and due dates into one reliable planning system
- Creating simple morning, afternoon, or evening routines that support consistency
- Breaking long-term assignments into manageable steps and interim deadlines
- Developing study strategies that reflect the student, the subject, and the teacher's expectations
- Building more realistic awareness of time and planning for competing commitments
- Strengthening student ownership so the system becomes increasingly self-directed
Working Together
A Supportive Team Around the Student
Students are at the center of the coaching process, but they do not succeed in isolation. Parents bring valuable insight into their student's strengths, history, responsibilities, and current needs. When appropriate, teachers, counselors, learning specialists, and other professionals may also contribute helpful perspectives.
At the beginning of coaching, we establish shared goals and agree on how communication will work. Students generally meet with me individually so they have space to reflect, problem-solve, and take ownership. Parents receive appropriate updates about broader patterns, goals, and progress while the student develops greater responsibility for day-to-day academic management.
My role is not to replace the parent or school. It is to become a thoughtful member of the student's support team, providing structure, strategies, encouragement, and consistent accountability.
For Students
A consistent space to plan, reflect, ask questions, practice strategies, and take increasing ownership of academic responsibilities.
For Parents
Clear communication about goals and progress, confidence that their student is receiving structured support, and more opportunities to encourage growth without managing every assignment.
When Coaching Can Help
Coaching May Be Worth Exploring If Your Student…
- Is capable and engaged, but their performance does not consistently reflect their ability
- Has difficulty organizing assignments, materials, calendars, or online portals
- Underestimates how long tasks will take or struggles to begin them
- Feels overwhelmed by competing academic, extracurricular, and personal responsibilities
- Is adjusting to the increased independence of high school or a new school environment
- Has ADHD, a learning difference, anxiety, perfectionism, or executive function challenges that affect school routines
- Is doing well academically but wants stronger systems, greater balance, or better preparation for college
- Would benefit from consistent, individualized accountability outside the classroom
Looking Ahead
Preparing for College and Greater Independence
College asks students to manage deadlines, communicate with instructors, seek support, balance competing priorities, and adjust when something does not go according to plan.
Academic coaching gives students an opportunity to practice those skills while they still have a supportive team around them. Over time, students take increasing responsibility for planning, decision-making, communication, and follow-through.
The objective is not perfection. It is helping students develop the self-awareness and practical skills to navigate challenges, adjust their approach, and move forward with greater confidence.
What this is,
and what it is not
Academic Coaching Is
- Individualized, one-on-one support focused on planning, organization, time management, task initiation, and follow-through
- A collaborative, strengths-based process built around the student's goals and learning needs
- Practical executive function skill building that can be applied across classes and responsibilities
- A respectful space for students to reflect, problem-solve, and practice greater ownership
- Thoughtful communication with parents and collaboration with schools or other professionals when appropriate
Academic Coaching Is Not
- Subject-specific tutoring or instruction
- Therapy, counseling, or clinical treatment
- A replacement for an IEP, 504 Plan, school-based services, or professional medical care
- Someone completing assignments or managing responsibilities for the student
- A one-size-fits-all or instant solution; progress develops through practice, reflection, and consistent support
Who I Work With
Coaching Is Often
a Good Fit For
- High-achieving students managing rigorous coursework and extracurricular commitments
- Students whose current performance does not fully reflect their ability or effort
- Students with ADHD, executive function challenges, or learning differences
- Students experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, perfectionism, procrastination, or burnout related to school
- Freshmen and students adjusting to a new school or a higher level of independence
- Students who understand the material but struggle with planning, organization, task initiation, or follow-through
- Students who have accommodations and are learning to use them effectively and advocate for themselves
- Juniors and seniors preparing for college and a less structured environment
- Students who would benefit from individualized accountability, stronger routines, or greater academic balance
A student does not need to be failing or in crisis to benefit from coaching. Support can be equally valuable for students who are doing well and want stronger systems, greater balance, or more confidence as expectations increase.
What changes
over time
For Students
Over time, students can develop a clearer sense of what works for them, a more manageable approach to the week, and greater confidence in their ability to respond when challenges arise. The goal is stronger self-awareness, more consistent follow-through, and increasing independence, not perfection.
For Parents and Families
Parents remain informed and involved while the student gradually assumes more responsibility for day-to-day academic management. Clear expectations and consistent outside support can create more room for encouragement, perspective, and positive connection at home.
We agree at the beginning on what will be shared and how often communication will occur, with the student included in that conversation.
How It Works
Getting Started
Sessions are available in person for families in Sonoma County and online for students elsewhere. The format can be adjusted to the student's needs and schedule.
01
A Complimentary Conversation
We begin with a complimentary 25-minute consultation to discuss your student's strengths, current needs, and goals and determine whether coaching may be a good fit. The student is welcome to participate so their perspective is part of the conversation from the beginning.
02
Understanding the Student
The first sessions focus on developing a complete picture of what is working, where the student feels stuck, and what kind of support would be most useful. Together, we identify priorities and create the first version of a practical system.
03
Individualized Coaching
Most students meet with me weekly, with frequency adjusted to their goals and level of support. Sessions combine planning, reflection, skill building, and accountability, with strategies refined as the student's needs evolve.
Who you would be working with
Janelle Carter, M.Ed.
I am an academic coach and educational counselor with a Master of Education in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California. I also completed academic coaching training through USC's Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity, a nationally respected program focused on executive functioning, learning, and student wellbeing.
My professional experience spans academic coaching, executive function support, learning services, and university advising. Throughout my work, I have seen that students are often far more capable than their current performance reflects. With the right combination of understanding, practical strategies, and consistent support, they can develop systems that allow their strengths to emerge.
My approach is warm, individualized, and relationship-driven. I work alongside students and their families to build stronger systems, greater confidence, and increasing independence.
Start the Conversation
Book a complimentary consultation to share what your student is navigating, what is already working, and where additional support may help. We can explore whether coaching feels like the right fit for your student and family. There is no pressure, just a thoughtful conversation.
Schedule a Complimentary ConsultationQuestions I get asked
Frequently
asked
questions
If yours is not here, send it over. I would rather answer it before you book than after.
What is high school academic coaching?
High school academic coaching is individualized, one-on-one support focused on how a student approaches learning and manages academic responsibilities. Sessions may address planning, organization, time management, task initiation, study strategies, accountability, and follow-through. The goal is to help students develop practical systems, greater confidence, and increasing independence.
How is academic coaching different from tutoring?
Tutoring primarily helps a student understand a particular subject. Academic coaching focuses on the systems and executive function skills that support performance across classes, including planning assignments, getting started, managing time, preparing effectively, and following through. Some students benefit from both services.
My teenager is unsure about coaching. Can it still help?
Coaching is most effective when the student has a voice in the process and is willing to participate, even if they are initially uncertain. I take time to understand the student's perspective, explain what coaching will and will not involve, and identify goals that feel meaningful to them. A consultation can help determine whether the timing and fit are right.
Do you work with students who have ADHD, anxiety, or an IEP or 504 Plan?
Yes. My background includes executive function coaching and learning support for students with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and diverse learning profiles. Coaching is individualized and strengths-based. It does not replace clinical care, an IEP, a 504 Plan, or school-based services, but it can help students build daily routines, use accommodations more effectively, and strengthen self-advocacy.
Is academic coaching the same as therapy?
No. Academic coaching is educational and action-oriented; it focuses on skills, strategies, goals, routines, and accountability. It is not therapy or a substitute for mental health treatment. When a student would benefit from clinical support in addition to coaching, I encourage the family to work with an appropriate licensed professional.
Do you communicate with teachers or the school?
When it is useful and the family agrees, I may collaborate with teachers, counselors, learning specialists, or other members of the student's support team. This may include clarifying expectations, understanding existing accommodations, or helping coaching strategies align with school-based support.
Are sessions in person or online?
Both. In-person sessions are available for families in Sonoma County, and online coaching is available for students elsewhere or when virtual meetings are more practical. We can choose the format that best supports consistency and the student's needs.
How young can a student begin coaching?
I work primarily with high school and college students. Coaching may also be appropriate for some middle-school students who are ready to participate in the process and begin developing greater ownership. A consultation can help determine whether the student's age, needs, and goals are a good match.
Can coaching help with college preparation or applications?
Academic coaching supports the organization, planning, communication, and follow-through students need to manage the college-planning process and transition successfully to college. This high school coaching service does not currently include comprehensive admissions counseling or essay writing, but it can help students manage responsibilities and build the independence they will need in college.
How much will parents know about what happens in coaching?
We establish the communication plan together at the beginning, with the student included in the conversation. Parents receive appropriate information about broader goals, patterns, and progress while students have room to reflect and build ownership. The frequency and level of communication are tailored to the student's age, needs, and family preferences, and expectations are clear to everyone involved.
Whether your student is adjusting to high school, managing a demanding schedule, preparing for college, or simply ready for more effective systems, coaching is thoughtful, practical, and built around how they learn and work best.
Schedule a complimentary consultation and let's talk about what support could help your student move forward with greater confidence and independence.
Start the Conversation