1. Understand Your Teenager's Long-Term Goals
The first step to making high school productive is to help your child identify where they want to end up. They don’t need to have every detail figured out, but having some general goals is helpful. Ask questions like:
- Do you want to attend a four-year university?
- Are you interested in a specific career or industry, such as aerospace or engineering?
- Would you prefer to attend a community college or go straight into a trade?
Understanding these goals will help you and your child select courses, extracurricular activities, and opportunities that align with their ambitions. It’s also okay if these goals change—what matters is having a direction that informs their high school decisions.
2. Help Your Child Choose Courses Wisely
Your child’s academic choices are critical, especially if they have future aspirations involving higher education or specialized industries. Colleges, employers, and scholarship committees look closely at the classes they’ve taken and their performance in them. Beyond merely fulfilling the basic graduation requirements, it’s essential to strategically choose courses that:
- Challenge them academically
- Relate to their future goals
- Show growth in a specific area of interest
Encourage your child to consider Advanced Placement (AP) or dual enrollment courses if they align with their aspirations. If they plan to work in aerospace, classes like physics, advanced mathematics, and engineering are crucial. Showing colleges that they are willing to challenge themselves will be an asset when it comes time to apply.
Building a Balanced Schedule
While it’s important for your child to take challenging courses, be mindful not to overload them. Help them balance rigorous classes with subjects that allow them to explore their interests and avoid burnout. Remember, colleges value well-rounded students, so don’t shy away from subjects like arts, humanities, or business if they interest your child.
The Benefits of STEM Courses for Future-Focused Students
For children with aspirations in aerospace, engineering, or aviation, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes will provide a considerable advantage. STEM classes don’t just improve analytical skills; they’re also in high demand. The aerospace and aviation industries are particularly reliant on individuals who have a strong understanding of subjects like physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
Even if your child isn’t 100% certain of their career path, building a solid STEM foundation can open doors to many lucrative and interesting fields in the future.
3. Encourage Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
Academic performance is essential, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. High school is also about personal growth, and that’s where extracurricular activities come in. The activities your child chooses can:
- Help them discover their passions and interests
- Teach valuable soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management
- Make their college application stand out
Encourage your child to join clubs related to their future aspirations, whether they’re science-related, aviation clubs, student government, or volunteer groups. Extracurriculars provide an opportunity to gain experience outside of the classroom and demonstrate dedication to their interests.
Exploring Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Students interested in aviation should consider joining or starting a club that focuses on aerospace topics. There are also nationwide programs like the Civil Air Patrol or Young Eagles that provide hands-on experience in aviation and can be incredibly valuable.
If your school has limited options for extracurriculars that match your child’s passions, look for community opportunities. Internships, community service, or even part-time work can be great ways for them to develop skills and experiences that align with their future goals.
4. Cultivate Good Study Habits and Time Management
No matter how carefully your child chooses their classes and activities, success hinges on their ability to manage time and study effectively. High school will present them with greater academic challenges and responsibilities, making time management a key component of success. Establishing good habits early on will benefit them long after high school.
Some tips to enhance study habits include:
- Create a study schedule that outlines specific times for homework and review.
- Find a distraction-free environment where they can focus.
- Use methods like the Pomodoro technique—studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—to maintain focus.
- Don’t cram; instead, encourage studying material consistently over time.
Good study habits aren’t just about getting good grades—they are essential skills for future education and professional life.
5. Help Build Relationships with Teachers and Mentors
Connecting with teachers, counselors, and mentors can make a significant difference in how well your child navigates high school. These individuals can offer valuable guidance, provide letters of recommendation, and help make important decisions about education and careers.
If your child has a teacher in a subject that aligns with their career aspirations, encourage them to build a relationship with that teacher. Teachers can often guide them toward additional resources, recommend summer programs, or help make career connections. For those interested in fields like aerospace or engineering, having mentors who understand those subjects can be particularly beneficial.
How to Seek Out a Mentor
- Look for a teacher who shows interest in your child’s growth.
- Encourage your child to ask questions and engage in conversations beyond just academics.
- Be open to seeking guidance, whether it’s academic or career-related.
- Consider participating in mentorship programs offered by your school or community.
6. Plan for Standardized (SAT, ACT, and AP) Tests and College Applications
If your child plans to attend college, they’ll likely need to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Begin by understanding the requirements of the colleges they're interested in. Some schools may prefer one test over the other, while others are test-optional. Even if chosen schools don’t require these tests, a strong score can help strengthen their application and qualify them for scholarships.
The earlier your child starts preparing, the more comfortable they’ll be when taking the exam. Consider taking practice tests during their sophomore year to get a feel for the material and format. By the time junior year comes around, they'll be better prepared to take the actual test.
The Importance of Extracurriculars, Essays, and Letters of Recommendation
In addition to standardized tests, college applications typically include essays, a list of extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Your child’s essay is an opportunity to showcase who they are beyond their grades and scores. When writing college essays, encourage them to focus on personal growth, lessons learned, and how their experiences have shaped their aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Teachers and mentors who know your child well can write compelling letters of recommendation, so invest time in building these relationships early.
- Essays: The college essay is a chance for your child’s personality to shine through. Help them choose topics that are meaningful and encourage them to be honest and reflective in their writing.
7. Encourage Internships and Shadowing Opportunities
High school students can benefit immensely from internships and job-shadowing opportunities. These experiences not only help them understand whether a career path is right but also help build their resume and provide talking points during college and job interviews.
Many companies, especially in fields like aerospace and aviation, offer high school students the chance to shadow professionals or complete short-term internships. These experiences can provide insight into the day-to-day realities of the job and offer networking opportunities that might be beneficial later on.
Finding Internship Opportunities
- Talk to your guidance counselor about local programs and internships.
- Reach out to family members or friends who work in industries of interest.
- Search for programs specific to high school students in fields like aviation, technology, and engineering.
- Consider summer programs offered by colleges and universities that have partnerships with specific industries.
8. Stay Organized and Prioritize Mental Health
Balancing academics, extracurriculars, internships, and a social life can be challenging for your child. Staying organized is crucial to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Help them invest in a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and events.
Using time management tools like Trello, Google Calendar, or apps specifically for students can help them stay on top of responsibilities.
Prioritize Mental Health
High school can be an intense experience, and it’s normal for your child to feel overwhelmed at times. Encourage them to prioritize mental health throughout these four years. Burnout is real, and ignoring the warning signs can impact their ability to succeed both academically and personally.
Make sure they have time for activities that allow them to relax and de-stress—whether that’s exercise, spending time with friends, or hobbies they enjoy.
Know when to ask for help. Whether it’s seeking support from a counselor, a teacher, or you as a parent, encourage your child to reach out if they’re feeling overwhelmed. High school is not just about preparing academically; it’s also about understanding their limits and finding ways to take care of themselves.
The Power of Networking and Setting Your Child Apart
Networking isn’t just for adults in the business world—it’s also crucial for high school students who are looking toward the future. Help your child make the most out of school events, extracurricular activities, and community programs by forming relationships with peers, teachers, and industry professionals.
- Encourage them to participate in local events, such as science fairs, aviation expos, or career panels.
- Help them connect with alumni from their high school who might be working in fields that interest them.
- Suggest they attend career fairs or informational sessions, even if they’re held virtually.
Connections made now can have a significant impact on their career trajectory later on, whether it’s learning about job opportunities, gaining internships, or even receiving guidance from a mentor.
9. Preparing for a Career in Aerospace or Aviation
For students interested in specialized fields like aerospace or aviation, high school is the time to start paving that path. This includes taking courses in physics, calculus, engineering, and other relevant subjects. Participating in school clubs focused on science and engineering can also provide relevant experiences that build understanding and skills.
Another way to set your child apart in this competitive field is to join aviation-specific programs or pursue a pilot’s license while in high school. The knowledge and certifications accumulated now can be valuable stepping stones for a future career in the aerospace industry.
How Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School Helps Prepare Your Child for the Future
Choosing the right high school plays a significant role in how your child prepares for their future. Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School offers a unique opportunity to build a foundation tailored to your child’s aspirations in aerospace and beyond.
With specialized courses and a focus on experiential learning, students here are set up for success, whether they choose to pursue college or enter directly into the workforce.
From advanced aerospace classes to partnerships with industry leaders, Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School ensures that its students are not only ready for college but also equipped with the skills and experience needed to thrive in specialized industries.
Our school’s programs are designed to cultivate both the technical skills and the soft skills necessary for success in today’s rapidly evolving career landscape. If you want your child to take control of their future and make their high school years count, consider how Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School can help make their dreams a reality.
For more information about our unique programs and how we can support your child’s career goals, contact Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School.