Student Services

Grade 9 Planning

Create a 4 year high school plan

• Once your child is settled into 9th grade, introduce the idea of preparing an overall plan for high school that relates to his or her goals.
• Make sure you and your child know what high school courses are required for their post-secondary career goals, and that your child's courses are right on track.
• Map out when these courses should be taken.
• familiarize yourself with the various levels of courses offered by your child's school.

Start your child thinking about careers

• Encourage your child to develop a tentative career goal. Of course it will change--- often--- but it's the thought that counts.
• Help your child to identify interests, likes and dislikes, not just in academics, but in all areas. This will help your child focus on goals.
• Encourage your child to discuss career options with other, such as the school counselor, teachers, recent college graduates who are working, professionals in the community, etc.

Suggest extracurricular activities

• Encourage your child to actively take part in a sport, school club, music or drama group, or community volunteer activity.
• Remember that colleges would rather see real involvement in one activity than a loose connection to several activities.
• If your child may want to play sports in college, research the National College Athletic Association eligibility requirements. The NCAA requires completion of certain core courses; you can find the specifics at www. ncaaclearinghouse.net.

Meet with the school counselor

• The school counselor knows how to help your child get the most out of high school. Make sure your child has an opportunity during the school year to discuss post-high school plans with the school counselor.
• You should participate in this meeting too.

Save for college

• It's still not too late to start a college savings plan, if you haven't already. Every little bit helps!
• Investigate state financial aid programs and 529 plans