How To Prepare for College in High School: A Guide for Parents
As your child wraps up their 8th-grade journey, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday when you were helping them tie their shoes, and now you’re thinking about what’s in store for your incoming high schooler at SFCA.
Whether you’ve stayed at SFCA for the middle school years or are a new parent considering our private high school, you recognize the things that matter most: a strong academic program, comprehensive college prep, and a faith-filled community.
We want to help you make the best decision! In this post, discover some helpful tips on how to prepare for college in high school and learn what Southwest Florida Christian Academy offers to set your child up for success.
1. Explore the college-prep resources available for your child.
Connecting early is key to figuring out if a school meets your needs. You can call to inquire or schedule meetings if possible. It’s also helpful to engage with teachers and administrators to ask about these aspects of college prep:
- Academic programs: Are there specific academic tracks, advanced classes, or learning resources available?
- College and career exploration: How can your child discover various college and career paths, attend events, and receive guidance with applications and scholarships?
- Support systems available: What services does the school offer to help navigate academic and extracurricular pursuits in high school?
Asking these questions will make you feel confident that your child can make the most of their experience. Thankfully, we offer these — and more — in our high school program.
At SFCA, students receive comprehensive college prep, preparing them for a bright future ahead.
Individualized Planning
Your child is unique, and so are their college and future plans. This is why we offer students one-on-one advising, readiness assessments, and the Scoir platform to explore colleges nationwide.
Interest Exploration
From sophomore year, SFCA provides access to the U.S. Department of Labor’s profiler to help your child discover job positions, salaries, and daily job insights. Plus, on-campus college visits enhance their career exploration experience.
College & Career Resources
Families can easily connect to Parchment to view transcripts and Big Future for scholarships. We also provide information about FAFSA aid for tuition assistance, and senior workshops prepare your child for essays and applications.
Pathways & Preparation
Students can explore specialized tech and health academic pathways. In addition, they’ll be offered the SAT/ACT and CLEP exam prep, while SFCA’s dual enrollment and AP course offerings support your child for college plans and beyond.
Plan high school with college in mind.
As you consider private Christian high schools in Fort Myers, FL, and nearby communities, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about SFCA.
2. Emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills.
High school is a great time to encourage your child to develop effective communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities, as these skills are valued by colleges and future employers.
How do you help your child in this area? You can motivate them to participate in class discussions and engage in collaborative projects to enhance how they speak and listen to others. Plus, they’ll also benefit from team sports to grow their capacity to work within a group. And if they’re interested, support them in taking on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and service projects.
SFCA opens doors for your rising high schooler to excel at interpersonal skills.
“SFCA helped me learn how to work hard by challenging us more than most schools. They also taught me that asking for help isn’t bad, but can help you grow in knowledge and understanding. I was challenged academically with intense courses and spiritually with chapel and Bible classes. We were taught to stand firm in our beliefs while loving those who don’t share the same beliefs. As I am in a predominantly non-Christian industry, I can share the love of Christ by serving others like Jesus would. I am so thankful for the teachers who helped me fully understand what we were learning and answered questions, but they also challenged me when they saw my potential.”
– Savannah O’Grosky, 2016 Graduate
Student Leadership
Academy
Teaches students how to debate and defend their faith
Guides in resume writing
Prepares students for interviews with business owners and leaders from the state
Supports students in evaluating viewpoints and expressing reasoned conclusions in speeches and presentations
Academic Coaching & After-School Help
Assists struggling students in specific classes such as math and science
Provides guidance in planning, time management, organization, and more
Skills
Classes
Helps students develop essential soft skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, and conflict resolution
A focus on effective application of skills in real-world situations
3. Remind them of the values you’ve taught at home.
As a parent, there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that your child is living out the values you’ve instilled from day one. Encourage them to carry forward Christ-centered principles like honesty, kindness, and respect — inside and outside the classroom.
You can continue to emphasize the importance of prayer and trusting God in the process, especially when facing challenges. These values will help guide your child through high school, reminding them that they can be salt and light in places and positions where they’ve answered the Lord’s calling.
At SFCA, your child will experience a community that reflects the love of Christ daily.
Caring culture.
Families quickly realize that SFCA isn’t a place where students hide from being known — our school is a place where everyone is involved. As students transition from middle school to high school, they receive individualized attention. Whether they choose to have hands-on support or more independence, we’re committed to remaining actively involved in their educational journey.
Intentional faculty and staff.
Our community genuinely looks out for each other. SFCA’s Christ-centered culture is felt in every role, from the admissions team, teachers, and administration to attendants opening car doors. We also take the time to hold individual meetings with freshmen to discuss their calling and purpose. The aim is always to point back to Christ and emphasize finding meaning in their calling… beyond achieving earthly goals.
Strong spiritual foundations.
At SFCA, students have opportunities to explore who they are in the Lord through Bible classes and chapel on Wednesdays. Our main focus is not just on the temporal things of college and career, but on a Christ-centered calling, emphasizing a mission for students to know God and to know of Whom they are called.
What is your advice to incoming high school students?
David Asour
Degree: Secondary Science Teacher
“The biblical worldview that our Christian faith is based on is itself grounded in evidence, reason, and logic. Over the next four years, challenge yourself to seek out God’s character, nature, and creative signature in every subject you take, whether it be algebra, health, personal finance, or science. Respectfully ask your teachers probing questions. Don’t be satisfied with surface-level knowledge. Investigate this faith of ours to the point that, upon graduating, you are more certain of its truth than you are of anything else. Strive to leave this school as an expert in God’s Word.”
Envision your child succeeding in high school at SFCA.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon! Questions? Feel free to reach out to Amy Long, our Director of Marketing & Admissions, at (239) 936-8865 x1472 amy.long@sfcakings.org.