Your Child has just completed their last year in Middle School and it is time to begin preparing your child for High School. Preparing your child for high school can be an exhilarating but tense time for you and your child. Let’s review some of the ways to make this transition more palpable.
Every middle or junior high school has a book of high schools. Your child can obtain this book from their Guidance Counselor or Homeroom Teacher. Once your child receives the book, look through it and determine which high school is appropriate for your child based on the programs offered and what interests your child the most.
Once your child has chosen several schools, you can make an appointment with their Guidance Counselor to discuss the schools that your child is considering. In addition, your child will also be able to attend the high school fairs and meetings which are held every year and which take place in all middle schools.
It’s also a good idea for your child to take a trip to each of the high schools, via public transportation, to determine how long the trip takes; is the high school easy to get to; and how many buses and trains it may take to get their.
It is also important to take a look at the selection requirements of each high school. Determine how many applicants there are, and how many kids they take per year. If the school requires an audition, it would be a good idea for your child to start practicing. Have your child apply to his or her first choice, but also apply to your local high school as a safe school. This is just in case your child is not accepted into the better school. Have your child network with friends who are attending different high schools. Ask them what high school they are attending and if they like the school, and why.
If your child is disabled, there are some schools which have special facilities for the physically challenged, such as elevators and ramps. In addition, if your child is an ESL student (English as a Second Language), find out which schools have ESL programs. Your child’s Guidance Counselor or teacher will help him or her fill out the application.
High School is a very important next step in your child’s educational career. Anything and everything you can do to help your child attain the confidence and strength to pursue his education is a step in the right direction. Undoubtedly, choosing a high school will be stressful, and there is a chance he or she may not be chosen for the top school. It is important to keep your child calm, while at the same time reinforcing how proud you are, and that any school he or she is accepted into will be lucky to have your child as a student there. Take heart; this is a cakewalk compared to the college applications!
About CSAHM
