High school is so important that most careers and industries require at least a high school degree or equivalent. These last four years of school round out students’ general education, providing them with the comprehensive information they need to navigate and understand the world. By developing their skills, students can graduate ready to tackle their next steps in life.
Why Is High School Important?
High school is the final stepping stone before kids become adults and join the real world. Students have many paths to choose from when developing their future, whether continuing their education, entering the workforce, joining the military, or going to technical school.
While education and grades are important, the purpose of high school is to discover your passions and strengths and determine what path will best suit you. With more control and agency than in earlier grades, high school students can define their future with classes and extracurriculars.
1. Engaging in Activities and Opportunities to Prepare for the Real World
High school is an essential time for students to explore their interests because they are so close to adulthood. However, that thought can be stressful or overwhelming for many students. High school provides a safe environment for students to try new things and discover their potential passions and strengths that they can use to define their futures.
Some ways students can prepare for the future at high school include the following:
- Core classes: Students have classes they must take to meet Pennsylvania state standards. These classes impart essential skills they need to succeed after graduation, regardless of where life takes them. Core classes can also help them identify areas of interest and strengths, setting them up for their careers. For example, students who are great at math might go into business and finance, while students who like English and history might pursue law.
- Electives: When students know what they want to do, they can select electives to delve deeper into topics that interest them. Psychology classes might not be required, but they can introduce students to this social science field and give them the introduction they need to thrive in their university seminars. Many schools offer diverse elective selections that cover many areas to allow students to explore their options and prepare for the future.
- Clubs and activities: Clubs and extracurricular activities are great ways for high school students to gain more knowledge and experience outside of school. Clubs allow students to gather with others with the same interests as them. Many schools offer highly specified clubs to support student interests and futures, like coding, robotics, academic honor societies, debate teams, and more. Because they aren’t graded, students can participate and gain skills in a more relaxed, low-stakes environment.
With so many opportunities to gain experience, students can feel more prepared for their future and develop the skills necessary to start their lives after graduation.
2. Building Essential Soft Skills Skills
With diverse activities and experiences gained from high school, students can develop and practice the soft skills they need to thrive in the real world. Employers often prioritize candidates with soft skills because they are harder to teach. Individuals can earn hard job skills with training and experience, but soft skills are more innate. High school allows students to grow their soft skills during both class time and extracurricular activities.
Some skills high school students can develop include:
- Collaborating and teamwork
- Communicating effectively
- Sharing thoughts and ideas in discussions
- Listening
- Asking for help and advice
- Thinking critically and creatively
- Leading
- Managing their time
- Developing a strong work ethic
Projects and assignments allow students to try new techniques and learn through trial and error. They might discover methods and skills that work well for them, and learn how to rethink their processes when things don’t work out. Teachers and administration are present throughout the high school experience to guide students while they’re learning these essential skills and see what they need to succeed in particular fields. With the right guidance and practice, they will be ready for their futures.
3. Forming Relationships With Teachers and Mentors
Teachers and faculty can be excellent resources for high schoolers. Because they work closely with students to cultivate their success, students often feel comfortable going to their teachers and administrators for advice and help. Students can ask their teachers what they’ll need to work in specific fields or the next steps to pursue their higher education goals. Teachers and staff can support success by writing college recommendation letters and job references.
4. Earning a Diploma to Improve Job Prospects
Many fields and career opportunities require candidates to hold a high school diploma. While some might forgo this requirement, having a diploma can help applicants stand out, increasing their chances of getting an interview or offer. Many employers understand the skills students gain from their high school experience, helping them stand out and be more attractive in the workforce.
Students can also use high school experiences to fill out their resumes. Club experiences, leadership opportunities, volunteering, and internships completed during high school can highlight gained skills and relevant field experience. Students can even list specified electives they took in high school to show they have a basic or higher understanding of the field and the knowledge needed to succeed.
High School Program at Commonwealth Charter Academy
Commonwealth Charter Academy is a public cyber charter school for Pennsylvania students. Our high school program focuses on helping prepare students for the future. Students enroll in core classes that meet state standards, helping provide the skills and knowledge they will need for the future.
At CCA, we understand that each student has a unique future, so our school counselors work with students and their families to develop a customized plan that matches their goals after graduation. They can help students choose electives and learning opportunities that prepare them for life outside of high school and are relevant and engaging. CCA offers many experiences for students to explore their passions, including:
- Diverse elective selections
- Hundreds of dual enrollment offerings
- Hands-on workshops
- Clubs and socialization opportunities
- Internships
- Job shadowing
The personalized learning experience and flexibility offered at CCA encourage students to become more independent and responsible. Students can attend classes live or watch recordings on their time. They are responsible for communicating with teachers and submitting their various assignments, so students learn to manage their time and use resources alongside their subject materials.
Enroll in CCA’s Cyber High School Today
When high school is such a crucial part of students’ lives, they need a high school experience that can support their needs and goals. Enroll in CCA today and discover how we can prepare your student for the future.
Request more information if you have any questions about our high school offerings.
