Watching teens prepare for high school often brings mixed emotions for parents. While parents are happy to see their children turning into young adults, the start of high school makes parents face the fact that they only have four more short years left before their child leaves home. While this is a tough time for parents, it is also a crucial time. This is when parents help their teens prepare for life, as well as, high school.

In almost all cases, teens are excited to be entering high school. It’s a time when they get to experience a new level of independence. For example, in high school kids make new friends, learn how to drive, play varsity sports, work a part-time job and take different classes that allow them to explore interests on a deeper level. There are a lot of life lessons teens learn while in high school. Therefore, it is a parent’s duty to help their child prepare for high school by finding the right high school.

As your teen graduates from Junior High School, or even before graduation, it’s time to begin looking at the surrounding high schools. Most parents and teens don’t give this any thought. Instead, they enroll their child at the high school closest to them. However, much thought should go into this decision, because high school is the last stop before your child leaves home. Therefore, you need to talk to your teen about what her goals are after high school. If your child wants to pursue her education after high school, then it is extremely important you weigh each area high school carefully.

Every high school is different and focuses on different things. For example, some high schools have great sports programs known for sending students off to top colleges with scholarships. If you have a teen that is good at sports, and wants to continue on in college, then you need to look at the high school’s sports program. The same is true for students looking to earn academic scholarships.  These students need to attend a high school that receives high academic markings and is known for pushing its students to the next level.

The overall point is that parents need to enroll their teens in high schools where they are more likely to achieve their goals. The high school environment is very demanding as students have to balance peer pressure, academics, extracurricular activities and the social scene. So, when a teen is in a school that puts an emphasis on an area she is interested in, then post-high school success is more likely. Therefore, to help teens prepare for life, parents need to help them prepare for high school by enrolling them in the right high school!

There are several tips to help you find the right high school for your teen. The first step is to visit with your teen and find out what her goal is after high school – this is crucial. Without a clear plan, you won’t be able to pinpoint the most suitable school. Next, visit the school with your teen. You will learn a lot about the school’s vision when you are able to visit with the school officials, teachers and coaches. Also, do online research. See how they do academically and talk to others about their experiences in that particular school system. The bottom line is that choosing the right high school for your teen will open more opportunities in the future.

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Back-to-school shopping is one of the things that every parent has to do before they send their kids off to school. The supplies needed for grade school are different than those needed for junior high.

So, what exactly is your high school student going to need to get through his classes? Well, the shopping for high school is different than it is for younger kids because once a student gets to high school, the supply list changes from class-to-class. This means that you will need to get a list of the supplies required for each individual class your teen is enrolled in. Sometimes this can be done before school starts, and sometimes the teacher waits until the first day of school to give out the list. It will just depend on how the teacher wants to do it.

While each class will have its own separate list of supplies, there are still several things that your teen will need. First of all, every high school student needs a backpack. The books in high school are thicker and heavier, plus your teen will most likely have more homework to bring home. Therefore, it is important that your teen picks out a backpack made of durable material. Not a trendy tote bag made of thin material that will tear easily.

Next, high school students generally have to write more reports and papers to help prepare them for college. One high-priced item you might consider getting your teen is a laptop computer. Some high schools even allow students to bring them to class so they can take notes quickly and efficiently. Whether or not you allow your teen to take the computer to school is up to you. However, your teen will find it beneficial to have a small laptop available to type up papers and reports on.

If you provide your teen with a laptop, another helpful tool to have is a printer. It is possible for your teen to save his documents on a small flash drive and print it from a school computer. However, it will be much more convenient for him to have a printer at home where he can easily print his documents without being rushed. Having both a laptop and a printer at home will help ensure your teen turns in high-quality work.

Another great school supply for high school teens is a planner. This can be either the traditional notebook planners or an electronic planner. Planners will provide students with a place to write down their daily assignments to help ensure they get turned in on time. The only benefit an electronic planner has over the traditional planner is that they generally come with an automated alarm that will sound as a reminder. Teens can program an electronic planner to go off a day or so before the assignment is due to remind them to finish it.

While there are a lot of supplies that will be needed for high school teens, the four listed above will be very beneficial and greatly appreciated. Yes, they are pricey, but the good news is that they are items that do not need to be bought every year. If you get a good computer, printer and planner before your teen’s freshman year of high school, it is not unreasonable to expect them to last until college.

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Starting high school is a big deal for teenagers and more than likely they have been looking forward to it all summer! While teens look forward to high school, they also are probably a little worried because they aren’t sure what to expect. A lot of times parents can pick up on their apprehension a few weeks before school starts. Teens that are somewhat nervous about the first day of high school will most likely be working to get everything in order and just perfect before school starts. To help calm your teen’s nerves, help her create (and complete) a list of things that need to be done before school starts. Below are a few suggestions to include on the list.

1. Clothes Shopping. If you have a teenage girl preparing for high school, then I’m sure you are aware that a day of clothes shopping is in the near future. Shopping for school clothes may not be your idea of fun, but it can actually be an enjoyable bonding experience for mothers and daughters. This is also true for mothers and sons. Just remember to be patient and keep in mind that having new and trendy clothes will help make your teen’s transition to high school easier.
2. Shopping for School Supplies. Shopping for school supplies is another back-to-school activity that can’t be ignored, especially for those preparing for high school. To help everyone stay calm and in good moods, it will be best to do clothes shopping and school supply shopping on two separate days. If your teen has already enrolled in school, then ask the different teachers if they require any specific school supplies for their class. For example, Algebra students will probably need a graphing calculator. If there isn’t a list available, then it is okay to go ahead and get the basics: a backpack, notebooks, pens, pencils, paper and anything else your teen might need and do the rest later.
3. Get a Haircut. Your teen will feel much better about entering the doors of high school for the first time with a new haircut. This is obviously more important to girls than guys, but even teen boys will appreciate having a sharp haircut on the first day of school.
4. A Day of Fun. The three items listed above are the essentials for helping your teen prepare for high school. However, scheduling a day for just you and your teen to kick back and have fun will do a lot to help ease your teen’s nerves. For girls, a day at the spa with mom will work wonders. There’s just something special about a mom and daughter getting a pedicure and a massage together. For guys, a day racing go-carts or playing golf with dad is more appropriate. The main idea is to spend a day with your teen just having fun before high school begins. This may not seem that important, but it really is.

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Some things that teens look at are:

• Electronics – The world has become a much more technological place and teens are some of the top users of electronics.  The teens of today have grown up using computers, cell phones, and other high tech electronic devices.  Many teens want to upgrade to iPhones, Droids, and iPads for their electronic needs.
• Brands – Many teens prefer brand specific clothing and shoes either because they want to be like their friends or they look up to others who wear specific brands.  Although there are certain brands that are quite expensive some of the most popular clothing and shoe brands are reasonably priced.  Some popular brands include American Eagle, Areopostal, Under Armor, DC Shoes, Nike, and Adidas.
• Hair Styles – Hair styles seem to change every year and it’s not just girls who spend time on their hair.  Teen boys spend just as much time at the salon as girls these days.  The most popular style for teen boys is wearing their hair longer so that there are some waves and curls.  Many boys are going for the “Justin Bieber” look these days.  Girls have embraced the flat ironed look but they also enjoy throwing their hair up in stylish messy buns that allow for tendrils and the “just out of bed look”.
• Cars – More and more teens are getting vehicles instead of riding the bus and many teens would prefer a fast little car over the family hand me down.  With the economy the way it is many teens will have to be happy with an older, bigger vehicle as many parents will not have the extra funds to purchase an additional car for their teen. 
• Online Social Networking – While many parents may not even know what this means it’s an important part of socializing for many teens.  Most teens have FaceBook, Twitter, and MySpace pages which allows them to keep up with what their friends are doing and share with others what is going on in their lives and what they find important.    The important thing for teens to remember with online social networking is that everything they post on the Internet leaves a “virtual footprint” that can be reviewed at any time.

This list is not necessarily important to all teens and not all teens are concerned with each point but you will find that most teens find these items either relatively or extremely important for both going back to school and during the school session.  There are also many other items that teens are concerned about like sports, classes, friends, dating, grades, and extracurricular activities.

It’s important for parents to realize that while their children may have an interest in certain things it doesn’t mean that all of these items must be provided for them.  Each family has to find their own comfort level when it comes to expenses and items for their teens.  Even without all of these items your teen is sure to have a great upcoming school year.

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Some things that can help keep teens safe while out for sports include:

• Drinking Fluids – Teens don’t always take notice of the way their bodies feel or they may misunderstand the signals their body is giving them.  It’s a good idea to make sure that they always have access to water during practice and sporting events to keep from getting dehydrated.
• Drinking the Correct Fluids – Many teens enjoy soda or energy drinks but these types of fluids will not help them when they are physically active and some energy drinks can be dangerous in certain circumstances.  Teens should be encouraged to drink water or fluids that have added nutrients like Gatorade during physical activity.
• Eating Correctly – It’s also important to make sure that teen athletes are eating the right foods and the right amounts.  Physically active teens should not typically be eating a reduced calorie diet, unless prescribed by their doctor, because they may not be getting enough energy from their food to sustain their physical activity.  It’s also a good idea for teens to stay away from foods high in sodium as these foods can deplete the body of fluids.
• Keeping Cool – Not only can teen athletes keep cool by drinking fluids they can also keep cool by wearing clothes that pull sweat away from their bodies, like Under Armor, and also staying out of the heat and sun as much as possible.  Once the school sports season starts practices and games will typically take place after the hottest part of the day but until then it’s a good idea to have teens wear hats and cooler clothing while practicing or playing sports.
• Knowing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion – Parents and school personnel need to take the time to teach teens about the different sign and symptoms of heat exhaustion so as to limit the chances of injury.  The most common signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale skin, being overly tired, headache and/or dizziness, muscle cramping, weakness, vomiting, and fainting.  If a teen experiences any of these signs or symptoms they should see a doctor immediately to determine if they are suffering from heat exhaustion.

Sports are an important part of many teen’s school year and as long as the teens, their parents, and the school administration work together to keep things safe there should be no issues with teens taking part in these activities.  If there is ever any question as to whether or not a teen can handle a school sport or is suffering from heat exhaustion it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

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In order to get teens ready for the back to school homework schedule try some of the following:

• Review Their Classes – While most parents are aware of the electives their teens have chosen they may not be aware of the required classes for each grade level.  It’s important to get an idea of what classes will be taken and, if possible, compare the grades they received in comparable classes the year before.  This will let both the parent and the teen know if there should be extra time set aside for studying in specific classes.
• Consider Tutoring – If there is a specific class that a teen has problems with it’s a good idea to consider hiring a tutor or asking the school if they have a tutor that can help with certain subjects.  Not only with this help the teen be less stressed it will also help to make sure that the student gets a good background and grade in the subject for future use and college.
• Determine the Best Way to Study – Some teens can handle watching TV or listening to music while studying and others do better with no outside stimulation.  Most parents know how their teen studies best and it’s important to set up an area specifically for studying if their teen needs no distractions.  It is also a good idea, if the student feels that they can study while having other things go on, that the student starts out with no distractions until a baseline grade can be determined and then open study time up to experimentation.
• Choose the Right Level – While some teens are over-achievers others can be under-achievers.  It’s important to determine which level the student is ready for in certain subjects and to make sure they are taking that specific course.  Some students want to skip a class in order to get to a higher level sooner but if they do not have the basics down they will need to take all the levels of each subject.  Other students are concerned that they may not be able to handle a certain subject and may start at a lower level than is really necessary.  It’s a balancing act between making sure the teen doesn’t overdo it while making sure that they don’t second guess their abilities.

Many times a talk with the school counselor either at the end of a school year or before a new school starts can answer any questions a parent or teen may have about their ability to perform in certain subjects.  If a student starts a class and realizes that they are not at the right level it is usually quite easy to change to the correct level within the first few weeks of school.

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• Electronics/Technology – Teens used to get by with simple calculators but most high school math classes require calculators that can handle many different functions and formulas.  Also, most schools assume that teens have access to computers after school hours and much of the homework sent home will need to be completed on computers or will need the Internet for research.
• Sports Attire – The days of just having to buy one pair of sneakers or tennis shoes has disappeared.  Having teens in sports can become expensive due to all of the necessary equipment that some schools require parents to purchase.  Even in the school provides much of the equipment it is up to the parents to purchase the correct shoes for each sport, and to make sure that their teens have adequate clothing under their uniform to keep the student cooler or warmer depending on the time of the year.
• Lunch Money – Although eating at school is much less expensive than eating at a restaurant it doesn’t take long for the bill to add up.  Most public schools request that all parents at least apply for free or reduced lunches because the school system will get extra money to help the school for each student that awarded free or reduced lunches.  This not only helps the school it helps the family of the teen also.
• Organizational Equipment – Teens are just as busy as adults these days with school, extracurricular activities, and work.  It’s important to find an organizational tool or equipment that works well for each teen so that they can keep track of assignments, tests, events, and their work schedule.  Some students can get by with a calendar or notebook while others do better with PDAs or cell phones that double as calendars or PDAs.
• Proper Classroom Supplies – Some schools and classrooms have very specific supplies that are needed to attend the classes.  It’s important to find out what is needed and to possibly budget for these items if they are expensive.  Some classes like art, mechanics, woods, and band can be require high dollar tools and supplies and it is typically up to the family to make the necessary purchases though many schools have programs to make the purchases more affordable.

While it may seem like there are a lot of expenses involved in going to back to school it’s ultimately worth it because the teens are acquiring a good education that they can draw from while attending college, they learn discipline and organizational skills when involved with sports, and if the teen goes shopping with their parents for their back to school items they will have a better understanding of the type of expenses they may incur during college.

Get our special report right in time for back to school, Helping Your Teen with High School.

Here are some ideas of areas that may need to be changed after a long summer and some areas that teens may want to negotiate for different terms:

• Curfews – Many parents allow their teens to have later curfews during the summer.  It’s important to discuss school time curfews well in advance of school starting so that, if family members are open to discussions with the teen about the curfew, it will give everyone time to make their case and implement changes early enough so that the body has time to adapt to the changes.
• Bedtimes – Some parents prefer specific bedtimes for their teens and other families allow the teen to choose their own bedtime.  Either way it’s important to make the rules clear about this and to also change over at least a week before school starts so that the teen can change their internal clocks and get used to going to bed earlier and waking up earlier.
• Breakfast – Some teens eat breakfast all year long and some never eat breakfast while others change things up during the summer.  Breakfast as an important part of anyone’s day and it’s in the student’s best interest to try to get up early enough to eat something before going to school.  If breakfast is a must have in a household and it hasn’t been happening during the summer it should be started a week or two before school just to make sure that the timing of everything works well with everyone’s schedule.
• Extracurricular Time – Many teens are involved in after school sports, academic clubs, or music and it will take some adjusting to get back into a schedule that allows for school, extracurricular events, and family time.  As teens progress through school parents may find that time with the family may become less and less.  This can be due to extra homework, extracurricular activities, work, and the fact that the teen is beginning to step out on their own a little more.  Parents and families of teens will need to make sure that they are providing adequate time for extracurricular activities while still maintaining some family time.
• Work Schedules – Many teens work while in high school and their summer work schedule may be very different from their school year work schedule.  It is a good idea for parents to sit down with their teens and review their class schedule, determine how much homework the teen may have, their extracurricular activities, and work schedule.  Although it’s important for teens to learn the value of working it’s also important to make sure that the teen has time to get their studies completed and be able to devote adequate time to their extracurricular activities and their family.

It’s definitely a juggling game but it’s also a good way to show teens what the future holds for them in both college and work life.  As most parents can confirm, it’s not always easy to get everything done in one day so it’s important to make the right decisions on what needs to be done and what can be done later.

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(ARA) – A record number of students are heading back to school this year – without ever stepping foot inside a classroom. A growing number of virtual schools (also known as cyber schools or e-schools), combined with booming parent (and student) demand for high-quality virtual education, have more students than ever logging on, instead of boarding a school bus, this back-to-school season.

More than 2 million children in kindergarten through 12th grade are learning online, and their ranks are growing by almost 20 percent each year, according to research by Ambient Insight. Currently, 45 states have significant supplemental online learning programs, or full-time programs, in which students take most or all of their courses online.

The Reason Families Choose Virtual Schools

“One reason families are turning to full-time virtual schools is that parents are seeking a more personalized education for their children, where students’ studies are tailored to their abilities and interests, and they can work at their own pace,” says Dr. Steven Guttentag, executive vice president and chief education officer for Connections Academy, a leading virtual school provider that offers both public and private virtual school programs. “Of course most importantly, they work. Students are achieving at high levels and matriculating into some of our nation’s best universities.”

Many parents are drawn to the quality curriculum a virtual school can offer their student – and programs they might not have access to at the local brick-and-mortar school. The current economic climate has forced many neighborhood schools to eliminate programs like foreign language instruction, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more. At the same time some virtual schools are adding courses like Mandarin Chinese and AP Chemistry.

In most full-time virtual school programs that kids attend from home, families get tremendous flexibility in when and where school takes place, flexibility that helps them meet work and family needs. So children reap the benefits of a high-quality education and still spend important time with parents and other family members. This can be particularly helpful for parents who are scheduled for atypical work hours or have to work evenings.

The virtual school boom is good news for parents looking for the best possible school for their children. But since not all virtual schools are created equal, and offer different programs, curricula and resources, parents need to take care to pick a high-quality school that’s the best fit for their child and family. Education experts recommend that parents look for the following benchmarks of a high-quality virtual school:

What To Look For In Virtual Schools

Accreditation – The school should be accredited by reputable school accreditation organizations, such as AdvancED or the National Council of Education Providers.

Certified and highly qualified teachers – Look for certified teachers who work together in a professional teaching environment and who are experts in virtual instruction. Teachers should be in regular contact with students and parents, by phone and e-mail.

Rigorous curriculum – Curriculum should combine the best, late-edition textbooks from leading publishers with engaging online lessons and other high-quality resources.

Wide range of courses - Individualized grade placement for each child, plus college prep and career options, honors and AP courses, plus a wide range of electives, including foreign languages, music, art, journalism and more.

State-of-the-art technology resources – Must-haves include: an online system providing daily lesson planner, grade book, message boards and more, all in one system; training for students and parents; toll-free tech support hotline; quality computer hardware and accessories like microphone and headset; and a safe, secure e-mail system that provides communications controls and eliminates spam.

Community activities – Field trips and other group outings offered throughout the year, plus a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities.

School track record – Look for a school with a track record of delivering student academic achievement, high levels of parent and student satisfaction or affiliation with a credible, established virtual education provider, like Connections Academy.

In most states, parents can still enroll their children in both public and private full-time virtual school programs for the coming school year. Parents seeking more information about virtual public and private schools can call Connections Academy at (800) 382-6010.

When it comes time for high school, most teens think about the independence that comes with it. For example, playing varsity sports, dating, getting a car, and getting a part-time job are generally things that teens look forward to. However, as parents, we know that high school is the time to start preparing for college. And, in order to prepare for college, teens need to take the right classes and participate in the right activities during high school.

The first thing parents can do to help their teens find the right courses to take in high school is to talk to them about college. Parents need to take time to listen to their teens and learn what it is that they want to do after high school. Yes, it might seem premature to start this before high school, but it is actually a great way to create the perfect “game plan” for your teen to follow so his dreams can be reached after high school. Therefore, take the time to talk to your teen about his future goals and dreams.

Next, take the time to visit a few nearby colleges with your teen. Talk to a few professors or department heads at the colleges who specialize in your teen’s area of interest. Ask them what classes would be good to take in high school to help prepare for that particular field of study. This will be a great motivator for your teen to take the right classes and make good grades in high school.

Once you have visited a couple colleges and various professors, it’s time to start looking at available high school courses. Naturally, your teen will have to take the standard classes such as Algebra, Biology, English, etc., but look closely at the elective courses available. Encourage your teen to take anything that might help him learn more about the area of study he wants to pursue in college.

Also, some high schools give students the option to take a couple college courses each semester throughout their high school career. If this is offered, then encourage your teen to take advantage of it. Even if he is just taking the college basics, those courses still count on his college transcript, which will reduce the amount of college hours he needs to complete for his degree.

Finally, outside of the traditional high school classes there are other programs available for your high school teen to help him prepare for the future. Colleges love to see applications that have volunteer work on them, as well as, any noteworthy achievements. Therefore, if your son wants to go to college to be an architect, it would be a good idea for him to volunteer his time to help build a home for a program such as Habitat for Humanity. Or, if he wants to pursue music in college, it would be good for him to perform solos, volunteer at nursing homes, try out for honor bands or honor choirs. These types of things are what colleges like to see on applications, so encourage your teen to do them.

While high school is a time for fun, it is also the time teens need to get serious about their future. Parents can help their teens do this by encouraging them to take the right high school courses and get involved in the right activities. College preparation actually starts long before the “college years.” It starts by preparing teens for high school.

Student Mind Power-The High School Student’s Guide To Great Grades will show your teenager how to use the untapped potential of their mind to create outstanding academic results, develop massive self-confidence and set down a path towards a limitless life.