In school districts across the country that are large enough to have multiple schools, including charter schools, families usually are given the option of choosing a school. Early in the calendar year is the time that families are asked to make their options known. For parents with teenagers entering high school, searching for a school that best prepares their child for college is often a top priority.
What does a parent look for in a school that will well prepare their student for college success? The obvious first answer is to look for a school with rigorous academic opportunities. Most high schools today offer AP or Advanced Placement classes that offer students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, depending on that student's scores on the AP exit exams.
AP is a curriculum sponsored by the College Board that standardizes its courses to be equivalent to college courses. While there are 34 possible AP courses, schools offer various ones based on each school's needs, available teachers, student interest, and other factors.
Another rigorous curriculum is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It usually takes schools two to three years to qualify to become an IB school, therefore this program is not available in every school district. The IB program is divided into three sections: the primary years (grades KG through 5), the middle years (grades 5 through 10), and the IB diploma program (grades 11 and 12). Depending on the particular school's rules, a student can enter the IB program at any grade except during the diploma program-that program requires the full two years.
Like AP classes, students who perform well on IB exit exams can earn college credit-in some cases, up to a year's worth of credit. Unlike AP, IB requires its diploma students to choose higher level and standard level classes. The higher level classes take two years to complete, while the standard levels take one year. In addition, IB requires students to complete a certain number of service hours per school semester or year.
Besides these two programs, parents can search for charter or magnet schools that specialize in certain subjects or adhere to certain curriculum philosophies. Examples are science, math, and technology schools; performing arts schools; and schools that offer a "classic" curriculum. The definition of classic curriculum can vary from school to school.
For the student that wants to pursue college, taking challenging high school courses is the way to go. But it also is important that the student fulfill his or her other interests. When deciding on a high school, parents and students should consider the school's opportunities for sports, academic clubs, social clubs, and community service. Most teenagers are not focused solely on academics, and their other interests can serve them well in getting into college and being successful once there.
It also is important to visit the schools you are considering-talk to the administrators, view the facilities, and ask questions. Be sure to include your teenager in the decision-making process. Remember she is the one that has to thrive in whatever high school environment she is placed, so considering her views and concerns should be as important as yours. Together, choose the school best suited to advance your teenager, then stay interested and involved in her school career to help further her success in high school and beyond.
P. Carol Jones is the author of "Toward College Success: Is Your Teenager Ready, Willing, and Able?" Learn more about preparing your teens for college success at http://www.towardcollegesuccess.com.
What does a parent look for in a school that will well prepare their student for college success? The obvious first answer is to look for a school with rigorous academic opportunities. Most high schools today offer AP or Advanced Placement classes that offer students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, depending on that student's scores on the AP exit exams.
AP is a curriculum sponsored by the College Board that standardizes its courses to be equivalent to college courses. While there are 34 possible AP courses, schools offer various ones based on each school's needs, available teachers, student interest, and other factors.
Another rigorous curriculum is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It usually takes schools two to three years to qualify to become an IB school, therefore this program is not available in every school district. The IB program is divided into three sections: the primary years (grades KG through 5), the middle years (grades 5 through 10), and the IB diploma program (grades 11 and 12). Depending on the particular school's rules, a student can enter the IB program at any grade except during the diploma program-that program requires the full two years.
Like AP classes, students who perform well on IB exit exams can earn college credit-in some cases, up to a year's worth of credit. Unlike AP, IB requires its diploma students to choose higher level and standard level classes. The higher level classes take two years to complete, while the standard levels take one year. In addition, IB requires students to complete a certain number of service hours per school semester or year.
Besides these two programs, parents can search for charter or magnet schools that specialize in certain subjects or adhere to certain curriculum philosophies. Examples are science, math, and technology schools; performing arts schools; and schools that offer a "classic" curriculum. The definition of classic curriculum can vary from school to school.
For the student that wants to pursue college, taking challenging high school courses is the way to go. But it also is important that the student fulfill his or her other interests. When deciding on a high school, parents and students should consider the school's opportunities for sports, academic clubs, social clubs, and community service. Most teenagers are not focused solely on academics, and their other interests can serve them well in getting into college and being successful once there.
It also is important to visit the schools you are considering-talk to the administrators, view the facilities, and ask questions. Be sure to include your teenager in the decision-making process. Remember she is the one that has to thrive in whatever high school environment she is placed, so considering her views and concerns should be as important as yours. Together, choose the school best suited to advance your teenager, then stay interested and involved in her school career to help further her success in high school and beyond.
P. Carol Jones is the author of "Toward College Success: Is Your Teenager Ready, Willing, and Able?" Learn more about preparing your teens for college success at http://www.towardcollegesuccess.com.