As the school year enters its final stretch and spring is in the air, you might be looking for ways to support your high schooler in finishing the school year strong. Whether they’re in their freshman or senior year, this time of year always brings about “summer fever,” and some students begin to get distracted or lose interest in their school work. 

Finishing the school year on top is possible for your high schooler with some recalibration and focused effort to keep pushing ahead. Here at Best in Class Education Center, we have compiled a list of 7 ways to help your high schooler proudly finish the school year strong!

Here Are 7 Tips to Help Your High Schooler Finish the School Year Strong.

1. Set Goals with Your High Schooler. 

Goal-setting is a vital skill for young people to learn that helps them succeed across all areas of life. After all, it’s hard to get somewhere without knowing the destination where you’re heading.

Help your child set attainable and measurable academic and personal goals to stay on a success track. Whether they aim to pass their AP tests, make high marks on finals, reduce their screen time to practice an instrument, or improve their sports performance, setting goals can remind them of the benchmarks they’re working hard to attain. Talk with your high schooler to guide them in identifying and writing down their goals. Goal-setting will help them stay accountable for their actions and in the driver’s seat of their success.

2.  Get Your High Schooler Motivated. 

After you and your high schooler set some goals, motivate them by brainstorming a reward or two they will receive upon meeting those goals. Involve them in the decision-making process and allow them to choose the reward—within reason, of course. You can also introduce your older student to the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. They may realize that they are more content to work for the internal satisfaction of attaining a goal than for a tangible item, or that the delayed gratification of earning an item or experience makes them proud of their efforts. 

3. Help Your Teen Stay Organized. 

Staying organized may come naturally to some students, while others may find it more challenging. If organization is your strength, assist your high schooler in developing techniques to stay organized. However, if organization isn’t your strong suit, seek support from a teacher or a peer who can assist your child in this area. 

Maintaining organization will enable your high schooler to effectively track assignment due dates and important test dates. This approach will help them tackle each day without feeling overwhelmed by the tasks that must be completed by the end of the school year.

4. Assist Your High Schooler in Overcoming Procrastination.

Procrastinating is essentially putting off responsibilities until an undesirable consequence is at hand. If your child tends to delay important tasks, this habit can lead to stress and emotional overload for both you and them.

Encourage your child to complete tasks promptly rather than waiting until the last minute. Have regular conversations with them throughout the week about what projects or exams are on their horizon. They may need your help to break down the objectives of large projects into smaller, manageable assignments to prevent tasks from piling up right before an important due date. By helping your high schooler tackle their obligations promptly, they’ll be on track to finish the school year strong and enjoy more time for fun!

5. Let Your Teen Change Their Study Scenery. 

The butterflies are out, the weather is warm, and all your teen wants to do is hang out with their friends or play their favorite sport—understandable. Good study habits don’t only have to happen at a desk. Your child can also take their homework outside to get some fresh air. Perhaps your student would enjoy hosting a small study group on the back porch. When the group has finished a good study session, then your teen can visit with their friends over a snack or a game.

6. Give Your High Schooler Permission to Take Time Off. 

Ensure your high schooler takes breaks to enjoy some fun time, balancing their focus not just on schoolwork but also on leisure activities. Help them look at the week ahead and schedule study days alongside segments of time to engage in extracurriculars, listen to music, or spend time with their friends. 

By taking planned breaks, your child will gain a fresh perspective on their tasks when they return to them and learn how to balance work and leisure.

7. Remind Your High Schooler Why They Work Hard. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the end of the school year, your child might have forgotten all the hard work they’ve put in since last fall. Take a moment to sit down with them, reflect on their achievements, and reinforce the idea that their continued dedication through the final stretch will yield significant rewards. Emphasizing the value of persistence now will help them finish the year on a solid note.

After celebrating your child’s wins, discuss the consequences of low effort on a grade or scholarship opportunity. By helping your high schooler examine the natural consequences that could come from less than their best efforts, they can plan for success. Encourage them to stay focused on their goals and the personal pride they’ll feel when they reach the end of the year. 

Finish the School Year Strong with Best in Class Education Center.

Remember, your involvement as a parent is the most powerful catalyst for your child’s success. Here at Best in Class, we partner with students and families to shape lifelong learners equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. We believe that a strong educational foundation is key to building confidence and fostering independence.