Preparing For High School Education In Usa

I almost fell off my chair when I saw the table in kkrish's post. Thought did I upload it in sleep : ) Have a table just like that from years ago when one mom drew it up for me.

As some here will nod their head vigorously when I say this: it should go under "To tell Daddy" too : ) Usually, moms compile all this from various and feed to dad. : )

OP, some solid advice from JAG, especially what her ex-boss said. That two lines is worth repeating to self every few months. Do try to follow what Soka has suggested - try to come up with specific questions and we'll have a useful conversation. That will benefit many too.

From your post looks like it is more of a fear that you don't know something, or your child will miss out on something, or you'll be late in doing something, rather than questions about information you already have. I understand this. I was in this state when my older child was entering middle school. I totally get your observation that "But no one is willing to share details about high school preparations. "

That brought back to mind a book I read many years ago, and with which I started my own education about the high school education in U.S. Amazon.com: What High Schools Don't Tell You (And Other Parents Don't Want You toKnow): Create a Long-Term Plan for Your 7th to 10th Grader for Getting into the Top Col leges (9780452289529): Elizabeth Wissner-Gross: Books Yes, funnily enough, the book's tag line says "what other parents don't want you to know" : ) This book gives a crash course to middle school parents. Read it, but, remember to not let it increase your anxiety level! Use it as a starting point to get to know some terms and processes, and choose a few of those and look them up on the internet. Treat the book like a general guideline, not like a bible. Read the amazon reviews, they are accurate.

Often, source of information about local high schools are parents with slightly older children than yours. But, if you are not on such terms with them, then there are other sources. Go to your local public high school 's website(assuming you are not choosing the private high school option). There will be a section for parents or 'general info'. Get familiar with the website starting with the course catalog. Next, a few or all departments will have their own webpage that will give info about that department's courses. For example, the math department's page will give a table like kkrish posted.

Take a look at the school calendar, and go attend orientations or meetings that make sense. For example, in Aug/Sept, schools hold orientation night for freshman, sophomores and so on. Go to the freshmen orientation night when your kid is in 8th grade next Fall. They are open to parents and no one will check if you have a child in 9th grade. In fact, don't be surprised to see a few faces of parents with 8th graders like you. : )

Once you start educating yourself like this, you will have specific questions, which will help members here to help you, as well as, you will have less open-ended questions to ask local parents.

Right now, you could look up what is the highest math your middle school is offering. Are students studying math in the summer that allows them to proceed to next level of math in the school year. If yes, what are the local places that offer such summer math courses. Do the schools (middle/high) recognize these courses. You can ask this to your child's math teacher also. There is a way to do this casually - without coming across as desperate for information. For example, send the teacher an email saying your child is doing well in math, enjoys the class, discusses homework with you, and that you were wondering what topics 8th grade math covers. A gentle mention of 'I am only familiar with how math is taught in India...' does not hurt, and puts a human touch to the exchange, plus the teacher won't tag you down as a pushy parent.

OP, couple more things I wanted to write about, but unable to recall right now. Will add in another post. Years ago, I could not tell "freshman, sophomore, junior, senior" in order properly. : ) So, I know precisely how you feel. Do ask questions after you've read the posts posted.

 

That was the chart I also followed for older one. Then along came common core, and now I have to redraw that for younger one.

If the school district follows Common Core math, then things are changing for current 10th graders and younger. Calculus A/B, B/C and AP Statistics are same, but the math levels below that are different. School or district website will have specific details about math levels. In particular, geometry and algebra are no more separate courses, each a year long. They are now taught over multiple years (if school following common core).

 

Are you kidding me? I was going to come up with questions for you to address, after seeing that table. I like it and appreciate when parents share like this specific info. Your table brought back memories when a friend did that for me.

And some schools (with sensible people in management) continue to allow students the option of regular math and common core math. Also, some states that had adopted it, have abandoned common core.

So, please stick around! Your kind of wisdom and experience of having put two kids through HS is invaluable.

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On a separate note, an extra curricular or skill I added to the list to teach high schooler is how to use Instant Pot. : ) LOL.