Four Year Academic Plan: a High School Roadmap for Success

It is that time of year when the course selection book is issued and students are asked to decide on their coursework for the next year. What do you choose? Do you level up to AP or IB classes, do you consider a dual enrollment course with a local college, do you consider taking an asynchronous class online to help explore content in an area that you would otherwise not have access to? 

These are the questions that drive the planning process and every year should be reviewed and adjusted for each learner.

Establishing an adjustable four-year academic plan for a high school student is important on a multitude of levels: it helps students make informed decisions about their coursework, ensures that they meet graduation requirements, and provides a roadmap for achieving academic and career goals. When 8th graders are handed the course selection book for the first time, students should consider their existing wants and needs and plan to explore additional interests as part of their high school plan.

Here are some factors everyone should consider and elements to include in the process:

• Graduation Requirements:

  • Familiarize yourself with the graduation requirements set by the school district or state. Ensure that the chosen courses fulfill these requirements. Often schools require PE and Health courses, technology, business, or art elective credits.

• College and Career Goals:

  • Consider the student's interests, strengths, and career goals. Align the academic plan with these aspirations to ensure that the chosen courses contribute to their future success. Electives are the perfect place to level up on exploratory courses such as positive psychology, robotics, or even digital media design.

• Course Selection:

  • Plan a balanced course load that includes core subjects (English, math, science, social studies), foreign languages, and electives. Consider adding in advanced courses or honors classes as the years progress and the student is adjusting well to the academic load.

• Extracurricular Activities:

  • Include space in the plan for extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or community service. It is wise to pursue three club endeavors - one that builds your social network, one that services the community at large, one that helps you explore career interests.

• Standardized Tests:

  • Be aware of standardized testing requirements for college admissions. Plan for when the student will take tests like the SAT or ACT and consider prep courses if needed. If students have completed Algebra 2 by the end of 10th grade then they have the math they need for the SAT. By the time a student gets to April of 11th grade and is enrolled in precalculus they now have the math they need to accomplish every problem on the ACT. So determine the time, test, and pace that works best for you.

• College Admissions Requirements:

  • Research the admissions requirements for colleges or universities the student is interested in. Some institutions may have specific course requirements or recommendations so students want to meet or exceed them in their academic plan. For example, a student who wants to apply to a highly rejective college in a business major should aim to graduate with calculus and found out that they would only graduate with precalculus so they enrolled in an online school to get that additional course that they needed to remain on track for their plan.

• Career Exploration:

  • Encourage the student to explore potential careers. Tailor the academic plan to include courses that align with their career interests and goals. By taking career assessments through Naviance, SCOIR, or an outside assessment such as the Strong Interest Inventory, students can look at their results (which are a snapshot in time) to see what early interests are emerging. I would even defer to TV shows that depict the world of work from The Office to Abbott Elementary and, of course, Dirty Jobs.

• Counselor Guidance:

  • Work with the school guidance counselor to ensure the academic plan is realistic and aligns with the student's goals. Counselors can provide valuable insights and advice on course adjustment, the nuance of the classroom experience, and what courses have been lightbulb moments for students with similar profiles. By coming with a plan to your counselor meeting you will be equipped to have these deeper conversations.

• Flexibility:

  • Be open to adjustments in the plan based on the student's evolving interests, academic performance, and changes in career goals. A mid-year check-in to ensure that all electives align is essential, by recognizing that even minor adjustments can have a big impact it is important to look at everything in a student’s schedule.

• Time Management:

  • Help the student develop good time management skills. Balancing academic and extracurricular commitments is crucial for success. Using digital planners, online calendars through the school (Canva, Schoology), and set up global checklists that account for long term assignments. 

• Review and Update:

  • Regularly review and update the academic plan to reflect any changes in goals, interests, or academic performance. This ensures that the plan remains relevant and useful.

By considering these factors and incorporating them into the planning process, families can create a comprehensive four-year academic plan that maximizes a student’s high school experience and prepares them for future success. Check out our sample four-year academic planner here for how you can kick off next year on the right foot.