• High school courses prepare your child for college and technical school, help them choose their course schedule wisely


• Extra curricular activities become more and more available at the high school level, get involved with your teen


• S.A.T prep classes and practice tests are available at this point


• Driver's education is offered at many public and private schools to help students at this age learn to drive (and it also provides parents with an insurance discount)


• Many high schools offer classes that count as early college credits, help your teen choose these to their benefit


• Unless attending a uniform policy school fashion and clothing tends to be a big deal and a distraction for high school students, shop with your teen and let them voice their opinions about clothing


• Individuality and peer pressure are budding in this environment, encourage a hobby or extra curricular activity to help your high school student cope with the stresses

Back to School Shopping for High School Students:

• Sturdy backpack to hold *heavy* books


• Gym bag


• Gym sneakers


• Gym clothes


• Swimsuit if your high school requires swimming half the year for phys ed


• Travel size hygienic items (deodorant, etc. for locker and/or gym bag)


• Pens in black and blue


• #2 pencils are still a staple item


• Erasers


• Colored pencils


• Highlighters


• Day planner or assignment book


• Composition books and spiral bound notebooks


• Reams of paper


• Folders with prongs


• Binder if your school allows them (a lot of schools have banned binders and trapper keepers from k-12)


• Calculator appropriate for student's math level


• Supplies will vary depending on what courses were chosen by the student, hopefully the school sends a list to the home in advance