In school districts across the country that are large enough to have multiple schools, including charter schools, families generally have the option to choose a school. At the beginning of the calendar year is the moment when families are asked to make their options are known. For parents with teenagers who enter high school, searching for a school that best prepares their child for college is often a priority.
What are you looking for a parent in a school that will prepare your student for university success? The first obvious response is to look for a school with rigorous academic opportunities. Most high schools currently offer AP classes or advanced placement that offer students the opportunity to get college credit while at high school, depending on the scores of that student at AP output exams.
AP is a curriculum sponsored by the College Board that standardizes its courses to be equivalent to university courses. While there are 34 possible AP courses, schools offer diverse based on the needs of each school, the available teachers, the interests of the students and other factors.
Another rigorous curriculum is the Baccalaureate International Program (IB). Usually, you need schools from two to three years to qualify to become an IB school, therefore, this program is not available in all school districts. The IB program is divided into three sections: the primary years (the grades kg to 5), the intermediate years (grades 5 to 10) and the IB diploma program (grades 11 and 12). Depending on the rules of the school in particular, a student can enter the IB program at any degree, except during the Diploma program, that program requires the two full years.
Like AP classes, students who perform well on IB output exams can obtain university credit, in some cases, up to one year of credit of one year. Unlike AP, IB requires that your Diploma students choose top-level classes and standard level. Superior level classes take two years to complete, while standard levels take a year. In addition, IB requires students to complete a certain number of hours of service per semester or school year.
In addition to these two programs, parents can search for cards or magnet schools that specialize in certain subjects or adhere to certain curricular philosophies. Examples are schools of science, mathematics and technology; Schools of Performing Arts; and schools that offer a “classic” curriculum. The definition of classical curriculum can vary from school to school.
For the student who wants to pursue college, taking the challenging courses of high school is the way forward. But it is also important that the student comply with the other interests of it. When deciding on a high school, parents and students should consider school 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 to enter college and be successful once there.
It is also important to visit the schools that you are considering: Talk to administrators, see the facilities and ask questions. Be sure to include your adolescent in the decision-making process. Remember that she is the one who has to prosper in any environment of the high school that is placed, so he is considering the views and concerns of her should be as important as his. Together, choose the most appropriate school to advance your adolescent, then stay interested and involved in your school career to help promote her success in high school and beyond.
