Guidance

It is never too early to talk to your child about college. In fact, dreaming is the earliest and first step of the college-preparation process. In middle school, students have the opportunity to dream, plan, and start making decisions that will prepare them for high school and college planning. Below are some ideas for families to thoughtfully consider launching students into planning for their future.

• In 6th and 7th grade, choose academic and elective courses wisely:
              o Select the most appropriate and challenging academic courses
              o Incorporate electives that allow student to explore different departments 
• In 8th grade, create your child’s high school academic plan with the school counseling team:
              o Select the most appropriate and challenging academic courses
              o Incorporating electives that allow your student to explore different fields of study
• Encourage your child to set goals each school year. Check on their progress and celebrate as they achieve their goals. This will
   instill confidence in your child and help them prepare for high school. 
• Help your child create a calendar and/or time management plan they are responsible for following. The development of time
  management skills will be crucial for success in high school, college, and career. 
• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities. This is a great time to explore offerings to identify interests and engage in
  our school community. 
• Read! Read! Read! Encourage your child to read as much as possible across a variety of genres. As reading becomes a habit,
   students are introduced to the world around them. This exposure only helps to support their dreams of both college and their
   life beyond academics. 
• Volunteer! Find ways for your student to serve in your community and update their service hours in x2VOL
  (https://www.x2vol.com/login.html)
• Visit nearby colleges. If your family travels, visit colleges in those cities. The more your child is exposed to college and different
  campuses, the more excited they will become. 

If you would like more information about the High School Academic plans click here.