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Setting Students Up for Successful Transitions From Middle School Through High School
April 30, 2024
April 30, 2024
Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
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Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
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Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
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Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
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Transitions between levels of schooling or phases of development–from middle to high school or high school to college or career–are some of the most critical points in students’ lives. Though these junctures can be exciting as they mark the start of a new stage of life filled with possibilities, the break in continuity also risks students stalling momentum or getting off track.
Over the course of middle or high school, many students develop vital relationships and support networks. They participate in clubs, sports, and activities where they feel connected to others. They have a team of educators and counselors who have come to know their unique needs, interests, and strengths. They, and their families, know the expectations of their school community and who and how to ask for help when needed. And they have a group of friends whom they have learned and grown with over the course of several years.
When students move on to a new school, they often encounter entirely new academic expectations, social dynamics, responsibilities, and must acclimate to the new environment. This uncertainty and break in continuity can be temporarily unsettling for some students and significantly disruptive for others.
Taking time during the final weeks of school and over the summer to build systems of support for students making these transitions can go a long way to help students navigate this pivotal time. Counselors, educators, administrators, and families can use the tips below to set students up for academic, social, emotional, and overall success in the short and long term.
Middle School to High School
Planning opportunities for 8th graders to learn logistical information, identify support networks, and connect with others who share passions and interests can help to mitigate feelings of isolation or worry while building enthusiasm for the next chapter.
- Peer Mentors: Connecting 8th graders with high school mentors creates a channel of peer-to-peer communication that can help to support students’ transition into high school. Because the mentors are students themselves, they often know what questions and concerns incoming students might have and can speak to their own lived experiences to provide a helpful response from the student perspective. From questions about the logistics of ordering lunch to inside information on the expectations of different teachers, these peer mentor relationships can provide a necessary support system as incoming students learn to navigate a new school.
- Extracurricular Fair: High schools often offer a plethora of opportunities to get involved with an increased diversity in the types of offerings as compared to middle school. And these experiences can be highly motivating for students eager to connect with others who share similar interests. As part of student orientation, host an event where student representatives share what they do and how incoming students can get involved. Encourage them to collect contact information so they can follow up with interested 8th graders to invite them to meetings the following school year.
- 8th Grade Night: To help generate excitement for the upcoming transition, extend a special invitation to incoming students to attend a sports game or arts event at the high school. High school mentors can be selected to invite students into the student section, participate in any traditions, and make the experience fun for all.
- Course Selection: Host an in-person event for 8th graders and their families to learn about course offerings–even those reserved for students in the upper grades, as picking 9th grade classes sets a student on a particular path. Help students to select their courses and have counselors and educators available to answer questions. Spending time at the beginning of high school to ensure students and families know about courses, pathways, and future learning opportunities works to create smoother course selection cycles in the years ahead.
- Counselor Contact: One of the most challenging parts of a transition is having to say goodbye to trusted educators and counselors who have guided students this far. Create a contact list of staff members who can support various student and family needs and let families know when each person will be available. Consider organizing the list by common questions or needs with easy-to-understand descriptions of what each person does, rather than simply including names and titles. Regularly share the list and invite students and families to reach out.
- Road Trip: Have high schoolers visit feeder middle schools to share about first-year logistics, coursework, and extracurricular opportunities and schedule a tour for 8th graders to visit the high school, too. These end-of-year visits build enthusiasm, create connections, and ease worries as incoming students learn more and more about what to expect as they go to high school.
High School to College
High school seniors heading to college will have access to their new school’s resources and campus life activities when they start, but may need guidance on navigating the new landscape. Taking time now to help them to learn what kinds of support and opportunities will be available ensures they will feel more prepared during their first weeks and months away from home.
- Academic Support and Mental and Physical Healthcare: Encourage students to research where they can find tutors, mental healthcare, and physical healthcare on or near campus. Knowing where to get support can help students to avert a crisis as they get started in a new place. Talk specifically about the prevalence of office hours for college professors and how to best utilize that time to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Invite students to research extracurricular opportunities at their college and identify activities they might be interested in learning more about. From intramural sports to profession-specific clubs to volunteer groups to social organizations, colleges and universities offer a variety of ways for students to connect with one another.
- Alumni Connections: Use alumni networks to introduce graduates to high school alumni enrolled at the college they will be attending. This helps to build a student’s support network at their new school and offers a connection to someone who can share insights on the very specific transition from their high school to their college.
- Preview Course Catalogs: Help students to find their college’s course catalog online and teach them how to decipher course and credit requirements for their first year and beyond. Course selection often must happen very quickly after arriving on campus; knowing about these requirements and how to identify credits and course schedules can make for a much smoother and productive process.
- Resources for Students with Financial Need: Oftentimes, financial aid and scholarships only cover tuition, books, and room and board but do not account for basic dorm room essentials, school supplies, or clothing for different climates. Help to connect students and families who might struggle to afford these items with school, district, or community resources and organizations that might offer gift cards, donated items, and other mechanisms for support.
High School to Career
Students transitioning directly to the workforce after high school will quickly have to take on many adult responsibilities. Taking time to guide them through the necessary steps and processes will ensure they are planning for the array of logistical, financial, and professional needs and considerations they are soon to encounter.
- Finding Housing: If students will be moving out of their house, guide them on resources to find affordable housing. Talk with them about background checks, putting down a deposit, and other common processes for securing housing.
- Health Insurance: Make sure students who will no longer be on their parents’ health insurance understand how that will impact their ability to access healthcare and encourage them to find out what options are available to them with the associated costs. You might also share community, county, or state resources for subsidized healthcare options depending upon their needs.
- Setting up a Bank Account: Students who will be entering the workforce will need to make sure they have a bank account to deposit paychecks and pay living costs and bills. Share different options for local banks and guide them through the process of setting up accounts including making sure they know their social security number. You might have a local community bank visit the school to connect with students in an accessible forum.
- Thinking Through Transportation: Many students rely on bus transportation to and from school that is often provided free of charge. Have students plan how they will get to and from work. Help them identify different public transportation options if they do not have a vehicle of their own and plan out the costs and time the commute would take. If they do have a vehicle, have them calculate the price of gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance over time to ensure they factor these costs into their budget.
- Work Attire: Make sure students are aware of the expectation for what to wear at their new job. If a uniform or professional attire is required, talk with them about how they will purchase the necessary clothing. Some communities have clothing banks available to students or individuals in need; if applicable, connect them to these resources.
- Non-District Email Account: During high school, many students utilize district-associated email addresses, but these accounts will likely expire upon a student’s graduation. Given the digital nature of today’s economy and social dynamics, students will need a personal email address for nearly all elements of life. Encourage students to set up a separate email address and guide them through the necessary steps.
- Social Connections: Leaving high school–with its built-in community, friend groups, and activities–can feel especially isolating for students going straight to the workforce. Brainstorm with students about ways to connect with others and make friends during this new phase. You might help them research and learn about community organizations, identify professional communities within their field, or find ways for graduating seniors who are going straight to careers and staying local to connect with one another.
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