Our Advice for Parents of High School Freshman to Navigate Year 1
Discover practical advice for parents of high school freshman students at St. Agnes Academy. Support your daughter’s growth, balance, and success during freshman year.
Starting high school is a significant milestone not only for students but also for parents. At St. Agnes Academy, we know how exciting and overwhelming this new chapter can be. Whether your daughter is coming from 8th grade at a local middle school in Houston or transferring in from somewhere new, you’re probably wondering how to help her start strong.
Below are our favorite tips for parents of high school freshmen. We believe our suggestions can help your daughter feel confident and supported as she begins her first year of high school. Let’s dive into our advice for parents of high school freshman students.
Our Best Tips for a Great Freshman Year
Every student’s experience is unique, but there are a few tried-and-true ways to help make freshman year a success. Here’s how you can guide your daughter through her first year of high school with care.
Picking Classes with Confidence
Help your daughter choose a mix of challenging and interesting courses. At St. Agnes, our academic program provides freshmen with numerous opportunities to explore. Encourage her to select classes that reflect her interests and keep her excited to learn.
Time Management Starts Here
Freshman year often comes with more homework and a fuller schedule. Show your daughter how to use a planner or calendar to stay organized. Setting a daily homework routine can help her manage her time and reduce stress.
- Read More: Check out our full article on developing time management skills during the transition from middle school to high school.
College Talk Can Wait
It’s normal to start thinking about college as soon as your daughter walks onto a high school campus, but freshman year is more about building good habits than planning for admissions.
We recommend parents focus on helping your daughter earn good grades, exploring her interests, and giving her room to enjoy this first year of high school.
Finding Her Place on Campus
Encourage your daughter to try new things outside of class. Whether it’s a sport through Tiger Athletics, a club, or the arts, extracurricular activities build confidence and create lasting friendships.
Remembering the 8th Grade Leap
Talk with your daughter about how she’s feeling during the transition from middle school. Reflecting on her 8th-grade experience can help her see how far she’s come and give her a boost of confidence.
Parents on the Sidelines (in a Good Way)
It’s important to stay involved, but let your daughter take the lead. Review syllabi together at the start of each semester, then give her space to manage her own work. This effort will help her build independence and responsibility.
Supporting the Whole Student
At St. Agnes, we prioritize every aspect of a student’s well-being. Encourage your daughter to rest, pray, and make time for friends. We make specific resources available to help your daughter thrive during this transition, so we encourage you to take advantage!
- Learn more about how we support students through our Student Support Services.
Our Advice for Parents of High School Freshman: Be Part of the Community
Freshman year marks the beginning of a four-year journey that prepares students for college and life. Parents are a vital part of the St. Agnes community, and there are plenty of ways to get involved through parent organizations and school events.
With the support of families, teachers, and the St. Agnes community, freshmen are equipped to thrive. Together, we set the stage for a high school experience rooted in faith, excellence, and joy.
If you would like to have a conversation about our team about your child’s specific needs, we are available to help! Let’s chat about additional advice for parents of high school freshman students.
