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"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This guide is organized by grade level to assist families in navigating high school and planning for future success. As this is a general resource, it is not tailored to any individual student. Please connect with your school site counselor for personalized guidance and to address any specific questions or concerns regarding your student.
If you do not listen to any other advice, listen to this: take your classes seriously. You cannot graduate from high school without meeting the requirements listed throughout this guide. You cannot pass classes if you do not attend school on a regular basis. Getting good grades is tied to attendance, so come to school every day. If you are struggling in your classes, most campuses offer a tutoring program and tutoring is offered 24/7 through Canvas. Ask your counselor what tutoring options are available on your campus. You must start preparing now for your life after high school. If college is in your future, you need to be aware of some requirements. Colleges have a set of requirements that you must complete if you wish to attend their campuses. They are called ‘A-G’ coursework and are listed in the Academics section. If going to college is your goal, you need to make sure you are in the correct classes. Meet with your counselor to review your course load. Are you planning to play sports in college? If you said yes, you need to create an account with the National Clearinghouse (NCAA). In order to qualify to play college sports, you must complete a set of requirements that are listed in the Activities section under Sports. Please see your counselor if you have questions. There are two important things you can do as a freshman to get into the college of your choice: get the best grades you can and take rigorous classes. In other words, do not “skate by” in a college prep class if you will be challenged in a more advanced class like GATE, Honors, Early College, or AP. GATE classes offer enrichment to the normal college prep curriculum for ninth and tenth graders, while Honors and AP classes offer advancement to juniors and seniors as well as a boost in grade point average for those students earning an A, B or C. Advanced Placement (AP) classes allow you to take college level courses while still in high school whereas Dual Enrollment allow students to earn both high school and college credit for a class taken at the high school. Colleges look favorably on students who take more rigorous coursework, and if you pass the AP exam, you will earn college credit.
Taking part in activities in high school helps to shape your future success, boost your mental well-being, and enhance your academic performance. It transforms your high school experience from a daily routine into an experience that informs and drives your future. Students who take part in activities often get better grades because they feel more connected to the learning in the classroom. Busy students learn time management to balance school work, home life, and activities. While college admissions and scholarship applications should not be the sole reason you participate in activities, being involved in your school community lets colleges and scholarship donors see what you care about and how you make an impact on the college community. They are looking for students that are more than awesome grades. They want to see what you do with your knowledge and time. Clubs and sports build community, connect students with positive peer groups and supportive adults, connect students to their school community, and increase healthy mindsets and belonging. Structured activities also drive students to reduce screen time and engage with peers without the use of social media. Activities help to promote positive outlook and mental health. Outside of school, look for a way to volunteer and do some sort of community service. Think about how you want to spend your time. Maybe you will decide to join a club or help at the homeless center. Whatever you choose, do it to the best of your ability and make sure you enjoy the activity. That’s part of the fun! Always keep track of your activities and awards as they happen. That way, you won’t forget what you were involved in when you apply for work or to colleges. Not sure how to get involved in your school community? Ask your school counselor for suggestions that align your interests with available options. When you look back on your 4 years of high school, activities help create moments that will live in your memory and work to make high school more than just a collection of grades on a transcript; they help create the person you will grow to become.
Working with your school Counselor
Working with your school Counselor
Your school counselor can be one of your most important resources in high school. The school counselor will assist you with college and career planning, with your personal four-year plan for high school, as well as with any concerns that you may have. Don't be afraid to request individual conferences. If you are struggling, your counselor can offer resources that are specific to your needs.
Below are examples of topics you might want to discuss with your counselor:
9th Grade - Freshman Year
9th Grade - Freshman Year
Discuss your ideas for your individual four-year plan based on your goals after graduation such as university, community college, advanced training, military or career.
Ask about elective programs in your high school.
Ask about extra-curricular activities such as clubs and organizations.
Ask about summer programs, including summer school, work-study programs, and opportunities for volunteering.
10th Grade - Sophomore Year
10th Grade - Sophomore Year
Review your transcript. Make sure you are on track for graduation and enrolled in appropriate classes to achieve your future goals such as college or career training.
Ask about opportunities for more rigorous coursework and academic clubs like California Scholarship Federation or National Honors Society.
Ask about career-related programs and pathways such as ROC/CTEC and career pathways within your individual school.
Ask about summer programs for academic enrichment or remediation, work experience, service learning, travel/study, etc.
Ask about taking the PSAT test and its benefit to your future goals.
11th Grade - Junior Year
11th Grade - Junior Year
Review your transcript. Make sure you are on track for graduation and enrolled in appropriate classes to achieve your future goals such as college or career training.
If you have not explored SchooLinks yet, ask how the platform can help you explore your individual career goals.
Discuss if PSAT, SAT, or SCT is necessary to achieve your future goals. If so, discuss test preparation and how to register.
Ask for advice and resources regarding life after high school options like: colleges, universities, military, and other career/vocational training.
12th Grade - Senior Year
12th Grade - Senior Year
Review your transcript in the fall. Make sure you will have completed all graduation requirements and are enrolled in the appropriate classes to achieve your future goals such as college or career training.
Discuss all of the requirements that need to be completed for college eligibility.
Discuss college applications, vocational training opportunities, scholarships, financial aid and your questions about life after high school options.
Get help to: create a student resume of your high school activities, ask for letters of recommendation, write personal statements and Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), create a college admissions strategy, and better understand finanical aid options.
SchooLinks is a modern, college and career readiness platform to prepare students for what comes after graduation. SchooLinks helps students discover their interests and strengths, explore colleges and careers, and create an individualized career and academic plan that best reflects their post-secondary goals.
Using SchooLinks, students and families can:
Access career interest, strength and mindset surveys
Explore 2-year and 4-year colleges
Create course plans based on career pathways
Take virtual reality college campus tours
Search for scholarships
Learn about financial aid
Find internship and volunteer opportunities
Explore traditional, emerging and military career fields
Create resumes
For more Information click on the grade level below:
For more Information click on the grade level below:
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