Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
School Counseling Department
Meet Your Counseling Team
Mark Carson
Counselor: Visual Art, Digital Arts & Photography
Shae Hammack
Counselor: Visual Art, Digital Arts & Photography
Olga K. Middleton
Director: Band, Keys & Strings
Cristelina Milan
Counselor: Music Vocal & Theatre
Rachelle Nicholas
Counselor: Communications & Dance
Kettia Nesbitt
School Counseling Secretary
News & Announcements
College Application Boot Camp
Sessions starting on August 16th!
View Schedule Information
Spotlight
Congrats to the Class of 2025! 96% college matriculation, $14M earned in scholarships!
School Newsletter
Read our latest updates and see how we're growing together.
Join us at our College Fair!
October 10, 2025
4 pm - 6 pm
DSOA Gymnasium
All Dreyfoos students and parents are welcome
School Counseling Department Coffee Talks 2025-2026
Parent Information and discussions sessions. All sessions will be recorded and posted on the School Counseling Website
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August 13, 2025
College Applications: The Ultimate Guide
College Applications for the 12th Grade Parents. Navigating the Application Process with ease.
Target Audience: 12th Grade Parents
6:00 p.m. In Person - Media Center
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September 8, 2025
9th Grade - High School 101
Freshman Year Essentials.
Target Audience: 9th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. In Person - Media Center
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September 24, 2025
Understanding Acceleration Pathways
An overview of AP, AICE, Dual Enrollment, AA Degree, and AP Capstone Diploma
Target Audience: 9th - 11th Grade Parents
5:30 p.m. In Person - Media Center
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September 30, 2025
Unlocking Educational Dreams Through Financial Assistance
Target Audience: 11th - 12th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. - Virtual
Join with Google Meet
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October 14, 2025
Executive Functioning Skills 101
Support your student's focus, organization, and time management for academic success.
Target Audience: 9th - 10th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. - Virtual
Join with Google Meet
6
December 9, 2025
College Planning
Navigating the Path to College Success
Target Audience: 9th -11th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. - Virtual
Join with Google Meet
7
January 28, 2026
Curriculum & Course Registration
Charting the Course: Strategic Curriculum Selection for Post-Secondary Success
Target Audience: 9th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. - Virtual
Join with Google Meet
8
February 19, 2026
Hit the Mark: Admissions Testing
Understand testing timelines, options, and strategies to help your student aim for success.
Target Audience: 9th - 11th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. - Virtual
Join with Google Meet
9
March 4, 2026
Dual Enrollment
Expanding Horizons through Dual Enrollment Exploration
Target Audience: 9th - 10th Grade Parents
9:00 a.m. - Virtual
Join with Google Meet
Our Services
Academic Support
We provide guidance on graduation requirements, transcript requests, curriculum planning, and academic resources to help students succeed in their educational journey.
Social-Emotional Guidance
Our counselors offer support for personal challenges, stress management, and building resilience to help students maintain emotional well-being throughout high school.
College & Career Planning
We assist with college applications, career exploration, scholarship opportunities, and post-secondary planning to prepare students for life after graduation.
Our department provides comprehensive resources including graduation requirements guidance, transcript requests, curriculum guides, and school profile information. We also facilitate meal applications for the free and reduced lunch program.
Health & Safety Resources
Crisis Support
  • Bullying Hotline: 561-434-8200 - Call, text or submit an anonymous form
Additional safety resources include School Police, Student Safety Programs and Services (Ambassadors, Bullying Awareness and Support, School Climate), and Water Safety information.
Exceptional Student Education & Support
Palm Beach County School District is committed to providing exceptional students a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with federal, state, and local mandates.
ESE Solution Center
Access the ESE Solution Center form for addressing concerns and inquiries related to exceptional student education.
Eligibility Programs
Academic Planning
Graduation Requirements
Track credits, required subjects, and elective opportunities each year.
Sample 4-Year Plans
Plan ahead year by year for maximum success and flexibility.
Postsecondary Planning
Strategic planning to meet college and career goals.
Academic Resources
Graduation Requirements
Review Florida's graduation requirements to ensure you're on track for success. Our counselors can help you navigate these requirements while balancing your artistic commitments.
Transcript Requests
Need your transcript for college applications or other purposes? Our counseling department can assist you with official transcript requests for colleges, scholarships, and other programs.
Curriculum Guide
Explore our comprehensive curriculum offerings, including specialized arts courses, honors, AP, and dual enrollment options to create a personalized academic plan.
School Profile
Our school profile provides colleges with important context about our unique arts curriculum, academic rigor, and student achievements.
Additional resources include meal applications for free and reduced lunch programs, virtual course options, and specialized academic support services. Contact your assigned counselor for personalized guidance on academic planning.
Community Service & Work Hours Requirements
Students need to fulfill service requirements for graduation and scholarship opportunities. Start early to accumulate your required hours!
Community Service Requirement
To graduate from high school, students are required to have twenty (20) hours of Community Service submitted and approved in their SIS. Students should review the Palm Beach County School District's Community Service Guidelines and Community Service Opportunities for approved service activities.
Community service not only fulfills a graduation requirement but also provides valuable experience that can enhance college applications and scholarship opportunities.
Work Hours to Satisfy FL Bright Futures Requirement
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program allows students to substitute paid work experience for the community service requirement. Documented work hours can satisfy scholarship eligibility while providing valuable professional experience.
Students must properly document their employment hours using the official work hours log form and submit them through the Student Information System (SIS).
Need help submitting your hours? Follow our step-by-step instructions:
College & Career Planning
Explore
Discover college and career options that align with your artistic and academic strengths. Our counselors help students identify potential pathways that nurture their talents.
Prepare
Build a strong academic foundation while developing your artistic portfolio. We offer guidance on course selection, testing strategies, and extracurricular involvement.
Apply
Navigate the college application process with confidence. Our counselors provide support with applications, essays, auditions, and portfolio submissions.
Decide
Make informed decisions about your future. We help students evaluate offers, understand financial aid packages, and prepare for the transition to college.
College & Career Support
College Application Bootcamp
Join our intensive preparation sessions to perfect your college applications. View information.
Testing Resources
Access our ACT/SAT/CLT Testing Schedule and preparation resources.
College Fairs & Events
Attend our DSOA College Fair and explore the State University System Matrix.
We also offer monthly Coffee Talks- Parent Educational Series on topics like summer enrichment, managing college application stress, and transitioning to high school. Please view the schedule above.
Dual Enrollment
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Meet the Requirements
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Earn College Credits and High School Credits
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Learn about our partnerships with PBSC, FAU, and UF.
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Explore course options beyond Dreyfoos
Dual Enrollment (DE) Resources
Institutional Partners
Explore courses and requirements at our local community college partner.
Access university-level courses at this respected state institution.
Take advanced courses from Florida's flagship university.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment
  • Save money on college tuition
  • Experience college-level academics while still in high school
  • Explore potential majors and career paths
  • Build confidence for full-time college transition
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Bright Futures Scholarship Program
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. For more information, visit https://floridabrightfutures.gov/
Seniors should submit the Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) to be considered for Bright Futures Scholarship and other state-funded scholarships and grants. The deadline to complete the requirements is August 31 of senior year.
Bright Futures Award Types:
Local Scholarships
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Search Tools
GoingMerry
Studnetscholarships.com
Contact Information
561-802-6007