GETTING READY FOR HIGH SCHOOL: WHAT MIDDLE SCHOOLERS SHOULD KNOW
Written by: Heidi Fox, M.Ed., CMASAS Director of Counseling
(Prepared from “Let’s Get Ready for High School—Lunch with the School Counselor” Series)
Are you ready to transition from middle school to high school? What should you be thinking about as a student—or as a parent? What questions do you have, or what makes you feel a little nervous? Here’s a short guide to help you feel better prepared for high school and beyond.
Are You Taking the Right Courses in Middle School?
Your middle school courses are laying the foundation for your high school experience. It’s important to take your core courses seriously and get as much as you can out of them.
Core courses include:
- Science
- Math
- Social Studies
- Language Arts/English
Start Thinking Ahead—Review the High School Course Catalog
When you reach high school, you’ll discover you have many more choices for both your core courses and electives. Reviewing the course catalog early can help you plan and prepare for the wide range of options available to meet your credit requirements.
Review High School Credit Requirements
Take time to review the graduation requirements for both a Standard Diploma and a College Prep Diploma. Utilize the planning tools we provide, such as the 4-Year Plan worksheet and the Graduation Requirements worksheet. Both resources will help you start mapping out your high school journey with confidence.
Think Beyond High School
Don’t just think about getting through high school—start considering what comes after. Whether your goals include college, career, travel, or something else, your course choices now should align with your future aspirations.
Use High School to Explore Career Paths
Plan to take advantage of our career-planning courses, CTE (Career and Technical Education) offerings, and electives designed to help you start narrowing down your post-high school plans. These courses can help you explore college options, career paths, and more.
Learn About Advanced Academic Opportunities
Become familiar with Honors-level courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and Dual Enrollment opportunities. These can enhance your academic experience and strengthen your transcripts. Engaging in these challenging courses demonstrates to colleges and future employers that you are motivated and capable.
Utilize Your Support Team
Remember, you are not on this journey alone! Utilize the expertise of our educational team—not just your School Counselor, but also your Personalized Education Coach (PEC) and Course Instructors. Don’t hesitate to have meaningful conversations with your parents, too. They are key partners in your success.
Additional Tips & Tricks to Help You Prepare:
- Don’t be afraid or intimidated—we are here to help you succeed!
- Practice self-advocacy: Ask questions, seek help, and speak up when you need support.
- Understand that your cumulative GPA starts with your first high school-level course. Take your grades seriously from the start.
- Get involved! Join school clubs, participate in homeroom, and engage in extracurricular activities in your local community.
- Be open to trying new courses and exploring topics you may not normally gravitate toward. This is your time to explore new careers, subjects, and interests—you might discover talents and passions you didn’t realize you had!
Communication is Key!
Stay in communication with your parents and keep them involved. They are your biggest cheerleaders and advocates, and they can help you stay on track toward reaching your goals.
In Summary:
Ask for help when you need it. Take a deep breath. Plan ahead. Practice good study habits and time management. And most importantly—take your education seriously.