It happened.  You finally have a high schooler.  It goes by very fast, but if the proper foundation has been laid your student is ready for the challenges ahead.

High School students should focus on building their academic preparedness and achieving college-level reading and writing.  It is imperative that your student take a college-level course at some time in their high school career in order to improve future postsecondary outcomes.  Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, Technical School, and Advanced Placement courses are multiple options our students have to get exposed to college-level work.

Grade point average should also become an area of focus for students, especially in the 9th grade year.  Students with higher GPAs in their first year of high school have better college and career outcomes.  Algebra I is also a key indicator of future success.  It is imperative that if your child is struggling with Algebra I that there is a system of interventions that help them see success.

Finally, help your student maintain high attendance.  Ideally students should attend no less than 95% of school.  Less than 95% is a risk factor for poor achievement on college benchmark assessments.  Learning is a cumulative endeavor and missing just one day of school each month means nine days of lost learning.  Over the course of a child's school career, that can easily add up to months of lost instruction.

The knowledge your student and family needs to navigate the postsecondary application and financial aid process is immense, but our counseling team and staff is here to help at every step of the way.  

Start to learn about the FAFSA, or Free Application for Student Aid.  This government form is required to be completed during your child's senior year in order for them to receive money for tuition and other postsecondary costs.

Following are some great resources for high school parents and staff wanting to learn more about what the focus should be in high school: