4 Winter Tips for Middle School Parents

By Quetzal Mama • January 16, 2015

4 Winter Tips

for Middle School Parents

Middle School parents need to gear up for February. Why? Because February is typically when application deadlines for district transfers and school schedules are processed. To help parents understand what they can do now (yes, middle school) to get their kids on track for college, I’ve created a quick four-step guide.

I’m borrowing this formula from Chapter 7 ("Thinking Backwards") of my book. Quetzal Mamas & Quetzal Papas can use the Thinking Backwards formula to map out a high school program before students step foot on their high school campuses! Here is a solid plan, in four easy steps:

Step One – Investigate & Assess Options. Identify potential high schools your student may wish to attend. Some public school districts offer inter-district transfers to particular magnet schools or high performing high schools. Alternatively, some counties offer intra-district transfers for such schools. What about charter schools? Could a private school be an option? To make an informed decision about campus choice, consider key factors such as:

· What percentage of students graduate and enroll directly into a four-year (not 2-year) university?

· What percentage of students meet or exceed proficiency standards in core subjects? Or, meet college preparatory requirements?

· How many college-prep courses are available – such as “Advanced Placement” or “International Baccalaureate” for students?

· What is the ratio of counselling staff: student?

· If private school is a viable option, find out if the school provides scholarships or financial aid. Identify qualifying criteria in advance to make an informed decision.

Step Two – Map out Curriculum. Obtain a course catalog from the high school your student will attend. Many high schools host such catalogs on their website under “Counselling Department.” If not online, call the school to find out where to obtain a copy. Begin by mapping out first year (9^th grade aka “freshman”) curriculum. Your goal is to work with your student to identify classes your student wishes to enroll and determine which prerequisites (if any) are required for enrollment. This may include a letter of recommendation from a middle school teacher or counselor, an assessment exam, or completion of a class(s) with a particular grade. You definitely need to work backwards J

Step Three – Identify Specialized Academic Programs. Specialized programs may include a STEM-related academy, an Honors Program, or a Leadership program, to name a few. Map out the eligibility requirements, deadlines for applications (if any), and orientation dates to become familiar with the programs. These specialized programs may require nominations or recommendations from middle school staff, so prepare in advance for this process. Again, work backwards.

Step Four – Identify College-Readiness Programs. Even if your student gains admission to a selective academy high school, or a high-performing school, s/he will still need college admission information. There may be programs available at the school site, district, or county including Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Gear-Up, and Upward Bound, to name a few. To find a college readiness program in your state, visit this site: http://www.collegeaccess.org/accessprogramdirectory/search.aspx?s=

For more tips and strategies, find Quetzal Mama's books here.