We often don’t realize just how important high school is and what a big effect the high school your child goes to has on their life going forward. Many people view college as the start of their children’s future, but the truth is that planning for your child’s future starts earlier than that – it starts in high school.
The type of high school your child goes to may impact what they want to do with their lives, as well as teach them certain methods of learning, which can put them at either an advantage or a disadvantage later in their life, depending on the quality of teaching. So, you can surely see how important choosing the right high school for your child is. However, this can be a tough thing to do with so many options. We’ll be guiding you through a few of the important things to look out for and take into consideration, and hopefully, this will aid your decision.
College preparation
Your child may or may not want to go to college after high school, but it’s a good idea to at least prepare them for college, in case it is a route they want to follow. While you as a parent will do your best to guide them, you may not always know how to do that. Since most students join college directly after leaving high school, they must learn certain things throughout their high school career to help them as they enter the next phase of their lives, and to make the transition smoother. So, if any high schools around you offer college prep, or college counseling, like this Sandy high school, it may be worth your time to have a more in-depth look at it.
The pass-rate
When it comes to a school, the main focus should be on academics. While balance is important, schools exist to teach children the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them either for higher education or for the “grown-up world”. So, having a glance at a school’s pass-rate should give you an idea of how well they’re doing at that job. If a lot of students fail every year, that school is likely doing something wrong. You can also look at more in-depth statistics, such as how many students each year get accepted into colleges.
Sports
Sports have been proven to do wonders for a child’s development, and that doesn’t end once they reach high school. Sport should especially be a priority if your child is very interested in a particular type of sport. Doing sports throughout high school is a great way of keeping your child healthy, while also teaching them important social skills and how to work in a team.
Extra-curricular activities
After having a look at the academic side of things, most parents move onto sports. And while sports can play a very important role in a child’s high school career, it’s not the only thing that matters. If possible, try to pick a high school that offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities – sports and otherwise. This will give your child many options to try new things until they find something they enjoy, and it will also teach them to balance various aspects of their life. Not to mention the fact that being able to list more than one extra-curricular activity will look great on a college application or CV. Many people make the mistake of thinking that sport is the only after-school activity that benefits children, but the truth is that music provides benefits that sport doesn’t.
Class sizes
In the past few years, there has been a lot of debate about what the ideal class size is. Here’s what we think: it depends on each child. Of course, you don’t want your child to be in a class with too many students – they won’t get enough individual attention. Nor do you want them to be in a class with too few students, as they may not grow socially. But when it comes down to the size of the class or school, you need to consider what’s best for your child. If your child is a social child who thrives off of stimulation, being in a big class may be good for them. On the other hand, certain children may feel overwhelmed if they’re constantly surrounded by people. If you’re unsure, ask your child directly. If they’re going to high school, they should be old enough to have a say in it.
Subjects
Most schools offer basic subjects, but a few schools may offer subjects that other high schools don’t have. If your child is particularly interested in a certain field – whether that is music or science – it may be worth it to look into schools that offer more in-depth subjects in those fields. Your child will still be getting a well-rounded education, but it may be more tailored to their specific skill set. For example, some children may flourish in a more technical environment, while others need to be in a school that focuses on the arts to reach their full potential. No matter what you choose, make sure that your child still has various options in terms of subjects they can take.
Financial aid
Of course, one of the first things to look at when evaluating possible high schools for your child is the costs. This will help you to eliminate options that may be out of your budget. However, if a school looks promising but you can’t afford it, you don’t necessarily need to give up. If your child is particularly gifted – be that academically, culturally, or in a sports-related field – you may be able to get some help with covering their fees. Many high schools offer scholarships or bursaries for students who have proven themselves to excel in certain things that the school may value. If your child meets the minimum requirements for the bursary or scholarships, you could apply for it. just be sure to have a back-up high school that you can afford if they don’t get it.
Related:
Every Parent’s Option For Their Child’s School And Education
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