
Counseling
- Welcome
- Counselors
- Stay on Track
- Exam Information
- Career Center
- PSEO
- Mental Health Resources
- Registration
Welcome
Guiding Students to Achieve Success
The Faribault High School Counseling Department will provide a developmental, equitable program to meet the academic, career, social/emotional needs of our diverse population.
School counselors are certified/licensed educators with the minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling and are uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students through a school counseling program addressing the academic, career and social/emotional development of all students. School counselors work with students and all stakeholders directly and indirectly within these domains. Collaboration, leadership, advocacy, and systemic change are integral components of a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the American School Counseling Association.

Requesting a Transcript
Current High School Seniors:
You may begin requesting your high school transcripts to your preferred post-secondary institutions beginning September 1 of each year.
Please complete the Naviance Student online request or reach out to Shelly Fritz if you are unable to access Naviance Student. Once the transcript request has been made, an official transcript, including class rank, GPA, ACT scores, and immunizations will be electronically sent to the specified college(s). In the weeks leading up to your graduation, the Registrar will ask you which post-secondary institution you want your high school transcript sent and it will be electronically transmitted once all High School grades are posted, usually the 2nd week of June.
Former Students or FHS Graduates
There is a $5.00 processing fee (cash or check) for each transcript. Please allow 5 business days to process your request once it has been received. Forms are available on our web page or you can pick up a transcript request form in the counseling office during school hours. After the age of 18, you will be the only person who has authorization to release your transcript. A parent signature will not be accepted.
Contact:
Maricruz Soto,
Registrar
507-333-6207 | Email
PLEASE ALLOW TWO WEEKS FOR PROCESSING TRANSCRIPTS.
School Profile
Faribault High School is located in the city of Faribault, approximately 50
miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The population of Faribault is
24,642. Our public high school serves students in grades 9-12 with
enrollment numbers of approximately 1,000 students. The senior class
enrollment is 219 students. The school day consists of seven periods of
classes, each approximately 50 minutes in length. The school year is
divided into two semesters of eighteen weeks. A student receives one–
half credit for each semester course they pass.
Counselors
Stop by the counseling office before/after school or during lunch/homeroom to make an appointment! Search for your counselor by using the first letter of your last name.
A-F
Anna Braam,
A-F Counselor
507-333-6199 | Email
G-M
Faith Ahmed,
G-M Counselor
507-333-6147 | Email
N-Z
Michelle Breun,
N- Z Counselor
507-333-6206 | Email
Support Staff
Maricruz Soto,
Registrar
507-333-6207 | Email
Liliana Aguirre,
Administrative Assistant
507-333-6200 | Email
Mary McNelis,
Career Center Coordinator
507-333-6161 | Email
Stay on Track
Freshman
Juniors
Interested students may take the PSAT exam which is essentially a practice SAT exam. It follows a similar format as the SAT as it measures verbal, math and writing skills. There are three reasons why a junior may choose to take the PSAT:
- The students plans on taking the SAT and would like a formal practice test
- The student would like to try and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship
- If the students’ parent/guardian work for a select group of companies (example; Jennie-O Turkey store), that student may qualify for additional scholarship opportunities offered by these companies.
- Counselors meet with students individually during the spring semester to discuss career searches, the college application process, and testing options including ACT, SAT and ACCUPLACER. Students receive resources containing information and timelines to assist them with their post high school planning.
- Counselors give classroom presentations about registration and academic planning.
- Students meet with counselors in homeroom to discuss course registration and academic standing.
Sophomores
-
Counselors meet with 10th grades students to review results of the Pre-ACT and career assessment.
- Counselors meet with students to review the resources available in the Career Center and Counseling Office as they relate to college and career exploration.
- Counselors give classroom presentations about registration and academic planning.
Seniors
Seniors meet with the Counseling and Career Center staff to discuss a wide range of topics including:
1. Credit requirements/GPA and class rank
2. College application process
3. Scholarship application process
4. College visits
5. Career Center resources
6. National College Fair
7. Letters of recommendation
After this meeting, students can meet with their counselors on an individual basis. Students are encouraged to meet with their counselors as often as necessary. We meet with students to help them organize their application materials, proof essays and applications, and write letters of recommendation. We also brainstorm with students about possible colleges or programs. We are available and qualified to help students in every aspect of this journey.
Exam Information
PSAT
PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) – measures skills that are important for success in college-verbal reasoning, critical reading, math problem solving, and writing. This is the qualifying test for entry to National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) competitions for college scholarships. Usually taken in the junior year, students will enter NMSC competitions for recognition and awards. Further information can be found at www.nationalmerit.org or www.collegeboard.com. The PSAT is an optional test for juniors and sophomores.
The PSAT will be given at FHS usually in October. A fee is charged and students must pre-register in the Counseling Office. Test results are available in January.
Pre-ACT
The Pre-ACT is an optional exam offered to all FHS sophomores each fall. This exam serves as a practice ACT exam. The ACT is a college-entrance exam for 4-year colleges. The Pre-ACT has some great benefits for students including:
- An estimated ACT score
- A practice testing experience that mirrors the ACT exam
- Areas of strength and weakness identified within the subject tests of English, Math, and Reading.
- A comprehensive score report with compatible career area information
ACT
ACT State and District Testing
ACT State and District Testing Spring: 11th Grade ACT with Writing is a national standardized test developed to determine college readiness for high school students and college admissions. The test has five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The state of Minnesota requires all public high schools to offer a college entrance exam to all students in either their junior or senior year.
Faribault High School offers the ACT to all FHS juniors free of charge during the April statewide administration. The ACT is also available to be taken at multiple times throughout the school year during national administrations (at a fee). You may contact the Counseling Office for further information on the national ACT administrations. Students have access to test results 4 – 6 weeks after completing the ACT. Summary reports are provided to the school in late August.
More information about the ACT.
SAT
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) – measures students’ reasoning ability in the areas of mathematics and reading. Some colleges require the SAT, but most will accept either the SAT or ACT. The subject tests (SATII) may be required as a follow up for selective college admission. You may apply online at www.collegeboard.org or pick up a paper application in the Counseling Office.
The code for Faribault High School is 240-805. See Counseling Office for SAT Assessment Test Dates. Note: There are also LATE registration postmark deadlines. A late fee applies.
NCAA
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) FOR ATHLETES ONLY. The NCAA purpose is to help student athletes succeed on the field and in the classroom. Student athletes should register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse after the completion of the junior year in high school. Students who are planning on participating in Division I or Division II athletics need to submit a transcript of their grades and their ACT/SAT scores. These scores should be sent directly to the clearinghouse by entering code “9999” as a reporting selection when they register for the exam. There is a registration fee. NCAA forms and information are available at the NCAA Web site at www.ncaa.org. You may check our list of NCAA-approved core course at any time by linking to the clearinghouse page of the NCAA web site. Competing in College.
AP
Make the most of your high school experience and earn college credits with our Advanced Placement (AP) program at Faribault High School (FHS). Our AP teachers are passionate about their courses and eager to support students undertaking this college-level work.
AP courses offer students the opportunity to earn college credit during high school by earning a score of 3 or higher on their AP exams (the minimum score needed for college credit consideration). Students may earn college credit or advanced standing at many of the nation's colleges and universities, depending on AP exam scores and college credit policies.
Career Center
The Faribault High School Career Center has many resources available to help students with their post secondary options.
Some of these resources include:
- College and Career Information
- Assistance in completing college applications
- Scholarship Information
These are posted in the Schoology group for each graduating class - ACT and SAT prep materials
- Financial aid applications, including FAFSA
- Military career information
- Job postings
- Summer academic information
- Naviance Student
- Minnesota Career Information System
Contact:
Mary McNelis,
Career Center Coordinator
507-333-6161 | Email
PSEO
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a state program that allows tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students to enroll in courses at a college and earn both high school and college credit while still in high school. Only enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions apply. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online.
Please note: Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and twelfth-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Tenth graders may take only one career/technical PSEO course. If they earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional career/technical PSEO courses. There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Students must meet the PSEO eligibility requirements.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.09, subdivision 7, to assist the district in planning, a pupil must inform the district by October 30th (for Spring semester), and May 30th (for Fall semester) of each year the pupil’s intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following academic term. A pupil is bound by notifying or not notifying the district by October 30th (for Spring semester), and May 30th (for Fall semester). An MDE Notice of Student Registration form must be submitted for each semester that the student is enrolling in PSEO.
Any student interested in PSEO should attend the annual "How to Earn College Credit in High School" presentation at FHS held towards the end of January. The student is required to meet with their counselor to discuss if it is right for them. These meetings should be scheduled after the Faribault High School registration has been completed.
For a list of participating institutions in Minnesota, click here.
Mental Health Resources
South Central Mobile Crisis Team provides support for children, teens and adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The Mobile Crisis Team will provide services in your home or another community location. They bill insurance for these services, but have grant funding available to assist with any bills received if there is financial hardship. 877-399-3040.
Rice County Children's Mental Health coordinates an extensive network of assessment, treatment, and supportive services for children and teens with mental health needs. These services can include diagnostic assessments, individual and family therapy, in-home counseling and skills training, day treatment, and case management. 507-333-3773
Click Here for a list of Rice County Community Mental Health Resources.
Click Here for another list of Chemical and Mental Health Resources compiled by the Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition.
Crisis Hotlines:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741741
Registration
Resources
2025 Senior Information
