Fresno Unified School District
How to Get to College
Parent Action Plan: Middle School
Middle school is important because your child is laying the foundation in a lot of subjects and forming study habits. Developing certain skills now will make it easier for your child to adjust to the challenges of high school and college later — and will lead to more college options.
Here are some things you and your child can do to make the most of this time:
Yearlong
- Help your child set goals for the year.
- Review the school calendar together.
- Note important dates and put them in a shared online calendar or in an easy-to-view place, such as a bulletin board in your kitchen. Make a plan to check in regularly about schoolwork. If you keep up with your child’s tests, papers and homework assignments, you can celebrate successes and head off problems as a team.
- Get homework tips for your child.
- Read more about the benefits of extracurricular activities.
- Discuss ways to take on challenges.
- Encourage your child to take the most-challenging courses that he or she can handle. Tackling tough courses can give your child confidence and prepare him or her for higher-level high school classes.
- Come up with fun reading ideas. Look for magazines or newspapers your child may like and talk about the books you loved reading when you were your child’s age. If your family makes reading enjoyable, it can become a daily habit.
- Visit a nearby college together. We have Fresno City College, Fresno State University, and Fresno Pacific University in our local community.
- Get the big picture on paying for college. It’s not too early to learn the basics of financial aid.
Parent Action Plan: 9th Grade
The beginning of high school is an exciting time. Your child may be adjusting to a new school, making new friends and becoming more independent. But your child still needs your help and involvement.
Here are some things you can do together to succeed this year:
Parent Action Plan: 10th Grade
As your child settles into the high school experience, it’s a great time for him or her to take on new challenges. It’s also not too early to explore colleges, college majors and career goals. Use the list below to help make 10th grade count.
Parent Action Plan: 11th Grade
Junior year usually marks a turning point. This is because for most students and families, it’s when college planning activities kick into high gear. Here are some things you can do this year to support your child and give him or her the best options.
Parent Action Plan: 12th Grade
Senior year is a whirlwind of activities. This is a big year for your child as he or she balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities and the college application process. Use the suggestions below to help you and your child successfully navigate this important time.