Choose the Right High School

The key to finding the right high school is to know what you want, know the options available to you and to do plenty of looking.

Steps

  1. Think about what you want in your high school. If you love art and doing hands on things, look for a high school that has lots of opportunities in art. If you're big into sports, look for a school with a good athletic program. You get the idea, right?
  2. Consider where your friends are going, but don't let it dictate your whole decision. You can see your friends no matter what high school you go to, and even make new friends to introduce to the old! This is your decision not theirs.
  3. Discuss your choices with your parents. Ensure the fees are affordable for your family without having to make sacrifices. Fees usually only apply for private school; most public schools will charge minimal or no fees. If the fees are too high, try for a scholarship or financial aid. Scholarships are given to certain students but if you fill out a form for financial aid it's guaranteed!
  4. Don't leave a tour wishing you asked something. Remember - you have to spend the next four years of your life at this school. Be sure you want to go to this school, and that you have enough information to make that decision.
  5. Don't rule out a school for one thing. If that school doesn't have as many clubs as another school don't rule it out. Or if one school has free laptops don't choose that school because of it. Or don't rule them out just because they do not have a certain class you want to take. Try to look at a school overall and not for one thing.
  6. When you go on a tour, ASK QUESTIONS! What electives are there? How are the teachers? Do they have clubs? Good athletic programs? That's what tours are for. Remember step four- don't leave a tour wishing you asked something.
  7. Try to imagine yourself going to school here every day. Imagine how you would feel walking down the halls or in the cafeteria. If your comfortable and happy with many things about the school, then definitely make it an option. You want a school that's just right for four years.
  8. Talk to your parents (or your children) and let them know how you feel about the school. Make sure the whole family has agreed on the decision and everyone feels comfortable with the new enrollment.
  9. If there is little in the way of schools in your area that offer the subject you want, consider learning by distance or look at other ways to do the things you like, such as after school programs and clubs.
  10. Make new friends, but remember your old ones. You can keep in touch with them, like texting, emailing, or calling each other once in a while. You can even hang out with them if you've got time.

Tips

  • Consider distance! Will you take the bus? How far is it and can you be driven?
  • Some schools have open houses, tests, interviews and "visits for the day". If yours does, then do it! It'll give you a better feel of the school. Study hard in advance for the test and try your best. Don't freak out thinking about well what if I don't get in? Think about the present. You will get in if you study.
  • Some schools (private schools) have you choose your high school 1st 2nd and 3rd. Choose what you want first. You can always make new friends if that's not your friends choice. Also if a school says "Put me 1st or else you won't get in" don't listen to them if it's not your first choice. If you like a school better then put that first. High schools shouldn't make the choice for you.
  • Many schools have websites. Try doing an Internet search of names of some schools in your area and look around their website to help you decide if you want to go to that school.

Warnings

  • If you don't like the school at first, give it some time, but don't be afraid to switch if you're really unhappy.
  • Not all schools suit all people, so don't be afraid to turn down a school that doesn't suit you.

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