Plan for College with Middle School Students

The best thing middle school students can do to prepare for college is to work hard in their classes, and develop their interests outside of school. This could mean reading, volunteering, joining an after-school program, and more.

Track Academic Progress and Plan for High School

Students can take control of their education by tracking their grades and tests scores online using StudentNet. School District of Philadelphia students can ask their school counselor for their account password, parents can also register to access their student’s account. Click here to view the tutorial for the parent section, “FamilyNet”. 

Planning for high school is also an important part of preparing for college. In Philadelphia students can attend their neighborhood high school or apply to a different type of high school. Students will have to apply to high schools  at the beginning of 8th grade. Any schools that require grades of test scores on applications will ask for information from 7th grade. Make your 7th grade student understand that their grades and test scores this year matter, and will effect their high school opportunities.

To find information on different high schools in Philadelphia, click here.

- For more information on applying to Philadelphia School District schools, click here.

- For more information on applying to charter and private high schools, click here.

Students interested in attending a private, or public, high school outside of Philadelphia can contact A Better Chance (ABC), 215-753-9429. They refer young people of color in grades 6-11 to public and independent schools and help students find financial aid.

Young women who are interested in attending a private high school or need financial support for college prep activities may contact the Ellis Trust, 215-735-4483. They offer scholarships to young women from single parent households to go towards high school tuition, tutoring, or other college preparation related expenses.

Encourage Your Student to Take Charge of Their Learning

Encourage your student to take responsibility for their learning, both in school, and out.  If they are struggling with a subject the first person they should talk to is their teacher, but there are also websites students can visit where they can learn on their own.

The Free Library of Philadelphia has an online academic prep center, The Learning Express Library, that can help students build on their academic strengths and improve in subjects they find difficult. It offers SAT and ACT preparation and resources to help students improve their math, science, reading, writing, and study skills. To access the site all students need is a library card and their library card pin number. Anyone over 18 can request a library card online, or visit their local branch to get one. Library cards are free!

Khan Academy is another great option for students to practice subjects they struggle in, jump ahead in subjects they excel in, and explore new interests. It offers free online lessons and practice on many different subjects including algebra, history and biology.

Learn More About College

Middle school students can check out KnowHow2Go for more information on college and careers, and advice on what to do now to get ready. The site also has a page with advice for parents and mentors.