Top Ten Tips for Transitioning from Middle School to High School

Summer is a great time for teens to recharge, grow, explore, and make new memories. It’s also a good time to start preparing for what comes next, especially if what comes next is high school. As parents, you’re probably already thinking back to the mix of anxiety and excitement you felt when you were in their shoes. You’re also probably thinking about all of the new experiences and challenges that come with having a son or daughter in high school—everything from checking all of the boxes to make sure she gets into college to helping him cope with the ups and downs of high school social life. It’s a big change, so face it armed with our top ten tips for transitioning from middle school to high school.

Top Ten Tips

1. Get the most out of summer. Reading is definitely an activity you’ll want to fit into your list of summer activities. Most schools will provide a summer reading list, but encourage your soon-to-be high school student to try reading as a way to learn more about the things that interest them. Don’t lose critical math skills either. Setting aside even a few minutes once or twice a week to practice math can keep those skills fresh. And, of course, sports, volunteering, and summer camp activities are all great ways to have fun while also learning responsibility. 
2. Explore the school website and student handbook. Both you and your child should navigate through the school’s website, including checking out where to find staff contact information, counseling resources, and calendars. Familiarize yourself with the online platforms your child’s school uses, such as Canvas, Naviance, and PowerSchool. Review the student handbook, so both of you know school rules (e.g. dress code, bullying, phones, etc.). 
3. Get oriented. Banish any fears of getting lost on the first day of school by taking advantage of any school tours, open houses, or orientations. As soon as schedules are available, grab a school map and walk through a typical day at school. Locate lockers, classrooms, bathrooms, the cafeteria, gym, and school offices.
4. Investigate activities. Joining sports, clubs, and other activities is a great way to make connections and create a feeling of belonging. Check out the school website for a list of activities to learn more about extracurricular opportunities.
5. Encourage self-advocacy. Transitioning from middle school to high school means giving your child the skills and confidence to become more independent and take more ownership of his or her needs, choices, and responsibilities. Offer support and get involved if your child’s needs aren’t being met, but encourage them to self-advocate: how to email a teacher about assignments, who to talk to about IEP/504 plans, and how to reach out to a counselor for help with academic, social, or mental health issues.
6. Get organized. Set up an organizational system for assignments and other class materials. Color code your subjects (e.g. color-coded folders, notebooks, and binders for each subject), use accordion files for handouts or scored assignments, and set aside designated areas at home for backpacks, sports gear, musical instruments, etc. It’s important to keep your virtual study space organized, too. So, clean up the files on your computer or Google Drive, making sure you at least have separate folders for each class. Get school supplies like sticky notes, highlighters, locker organizers, and pencil cases. Establish daily routines for charging phones/laptops, picking out outfits, and putting together lunch or snacks. 
7. Support better time management. High school comes with more complex assignments, more extracurriculars, more social activities, and more responsibilities. It can be overwhelming, especially without time management skills. Consider using weekly and monthly calendars, such as a whiteboard calendar posted in your child’s room or a digital calendar or task app on his or her phone. Try out your new system for a few weeks before school starts to see what works best and make any necessary adjustments.
8. Set up a space at home for learning. Whether it’s a desk in your child’s bedroom or a spot at the dining room table, a quiet and clutter-free space is the best way to stay focused and avoid distractions. Set aside extra supplies, too. The ideal space is free from devices (e.g. televisions, phones, iPads, etc.), so set clear expectations for the use of technology. Limit screen time, particularly before bed to support better sleep habits.
9. Check in. Once school starts, set aside time to not only have quality family time, but also to see how things are going. You can regularly review your child’s grades and assignments using online platforms like Canvas and PowerSchool, but nothing can replace creating a safe space for voicing concerns, offering encouragement, and providing guidance.
10. Give some space and get some perspective. High school is a time to get more serious about academics and the future, but it’s also important for your child to take the right kinds of risks. While you don’t want to make failure a habit, it’s okay for teens to try new things and challenge themselves. The reality (and stress) of getting into college is closer than ever, so strike a balance between checking all of the boxes needed to secure a spot at a dream school and giving your teen time to have fun and figure out who they are.

How A+ Can Help

Following our top ten tips will help you and your high school student start the new school year on the right foot. A+ Test Prep and Tutoring can also give your student an advantage this summer with academic tutoring, or Executive Function Coaching Services to address any issues with organization, time management, study skills, and more. And, when it’s time to take the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE or HSPT, we offer individualized Test Prep programs with highly experienced tutors. We can be your partner during the college admissions process, too. We can match you with a great College Admissions Coach who will use a holistic approach to guide your student through every aspect of the college admissions process. Your child’s next chapter is right around the corner, so give them all the tools they need to take their next steps with confidence.

At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, we can be reached at 215-886-9188 or email us at office@aplustutoring.com.