Three Ways You Can Help Your Child Get The Most From Their High School Years

If you're like most modern parents of children who will be entering high school soon, you want to do everything in your power to help ensure that your child makes the most of his or her potential. High school years can be difficult because both social and academic pressures are high during this time, and parents are often at a loss as they watch their children struggle. Although you can't shield your child from all of life's disappointments, you can take certain steps to help optimize their high school experience — and keep in mind that a good high school experience often means that they'll perform well in college.

Following are just three ways that you can help your child make the most of his or her high school years. 

Get Involved in Your Child's School 

The biggest mistake most parents make is sending their children off to school while knowing very little about the school — some don't even know the names of their kids' teachers. Parents who get involved in schools through volunteerism create better schools as well as gain a realistic perspective concerning the schools their children are attending. It's also an excellent way to show your children that you truly care about their education.  

Take Advantage of Community-Based Education and Athletic Programs

Another big mistake made by a lot of parents is expecting the school to serve as the sole resource for everything related to their children's education. Even the best schools don't provide everything to every student, however, and community-based programs are excellent ways of taking up that particular slack. Most municipal parks and recreation departments offer athletic opportunities not found in the schools, and local museums, art galleries, and historical societies are great resources for those seeking extra-curricular educational opportunities. 

Consider a Faith-Based School 

Many parents who are disappointed with the current quality of public education are turning to faith-based high schools as an alternative to public schools. Research from the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics states that 31% of public high school students go on to graduate from college — but that number doubles for students of Catholic high schools. Sixty-two percent of these students graduate from college.

Other benefits of attending faith-based schools include a common requirement for school uniforms, which cuts down on competitions among students to see who can be the most fashionably dressed, a lower price tag than most private schools, and the opportunity for children to learn in a single-sex environment. 

For more information, contact schools like Peninsula Catholic.