If you’re considering going back to high school, congrats! Earning a high school diploma is one way you can take a step towards a bright future.
Many factors play into your success as a student – especially as a high schooler getting back on track. It will take motivation and strength to finish your high school education, but you can make it happen with the right tools and with the help of a support system.
You might already know how crucial to your future graduating from high school is. It can benefit your jobs after high school, your college education (if you decide to go to college), and your overall health and well-being. A high school diploma will open up more opportunities for you in the long run.
But this decision means making space for education in your life, which could mean moving some things around and ensuring you have a solid support system.
Here are our best tips for how to go back to high school:
Finding and developing your support system makes all the difference. This can look like parents, teachers, coaches, or any other trusted adult in your life. Look for people who will encourage you in your pursuit of a diploma and who will help you reach your goals.
You should also look for friends who will cheer you on your journey. It’s a fantastic thing that you’re setting out to do. Find people who are going to celebrate those steps with you!
Accountability in your support system is also hugely important. Make sure you’ve found people who will help keep you on track in your education.
Being able to express your needs will mean identifying the obstacles that led to your decision to drop out in the first place. Then, let teachers, staff, employers, parents, coaches, aunts, uncles, and anyone else who supports you and wants to see you thrive know of your needs and how you need their support in this time.
You also want to ask them to be flexible and help you with any necessary schedule shifts that may come from your decision to return to high school. The adults in your life are invested in you and your success. Let them know how they can be the best cheerleaders and helpers in this season.
As much as you can, organize your schedule in a way that helps you get your schoolwork done. Finding an organizational system that works best for you may take trial and error, but try a few different methods for keeping track of assignments and your life obligations. See what works best for your unique situation, whether it’s a planner, a Google calendar, or something in between.
Don’t be afraid to ask for extensions on assignments or for a change in hours from your boss. Starting a new path in school will involve some growing pains, but the people in your life want to work with you to make the transition as easy as possible.
Be realistic about how much you can commit to. This might mean cutting extra-curricular activities until you’ve adjusted to your school schedule. Be confident in the fact that you will find a flow for yourself. The adults in your life won’t know how to help you if you don’t reach out to them for assistance, so be bold in communicating your needs.
💡How to finish high school a different way
At Acceleration Academies, we want to answer all your questions about how to go back to high school after dropping out. It isn’t a breeze to graduate, but we can help you breathe easy through the process.
We offer personalized, one-on-one instruction and help for all of our students. Personal means personal: we work with you to find a system and schedule that works for your life.
We also personalize your academic path, so you can focus on one course at a time until you feel confident to move on to the next subject.
Check out our guide that breaks down how Acceleration Academies is different from traditional high schools. Or, if you’re ready, start your journey of re-entering high school by enrolling today!