How to Prepare for High School While in Middle School: A Parent’s Guide to Setting the Stage for Success

It’s not too early to begin thinking about the transition from middle school to high school. Students often see it as a bigger jump than it is because it involves new friendships, new teachers, an unfamiliar building, and more challenging classes. By implementing good habits now, these feelings of anxiousness will lessen and make the transition smoother.

Skills to Master for the Transition 

Executive Functioning Skills 

Teaching students foundational skills in middle school will carry over and support them in high school, college, and life. Emphasize the importance of following through in all aspects of their lives. Working with your child to plan out assignments, assessments, and projects will help them manage their time. Encourage them to create their own organizational system to track assignments and keep study materials in order. Practice conversations they might need to have with a teacher, so they feel comfortable and confident. Promote self-advocacy.

Core Academic Skills 

Some middle school classes can influence high school placements, so taking these classes seriously now will benefit students later. Giving full effort to all classes—especially reading, writing, and math—is important. Students should develop strong study habits and move away from cramming. Encourage students to read a book for fun, introduce notetaking and annotating, and practice math concepts that are difficult. 

Character and Confidence 

As parents, we want to protect our child and step in to help. Taking a “backseat” approach in middle school gives your child independence and confidence to handle situations that may arise in high school. Playing an active, supportive role alongside them allows them to face challenges while you coach them through it. Set short-term goals to keep them motivated and hold them accountable for their responsibilities. Build a growth mindset by celebrating small wins and recognizing effort—not just good grades.

Coping Methods 

High school will likely look very different from middle school for your child: different schedules, increased technology use, longer class periods, and new teaching styles and rigor. Talk with your child regularly about how they are handling these changes. Give them tips on how to manage their stress related to workload, extracurriculars, and friendships. Help them set boundaries with technology and their social activities. Show empathy and offer help when needed so they know you care and are available.

Extra-Curricular Exploration 

Students who explore their passions and interests in middle school have a greater chance of becoming active members of clubs or organizations during high school. Joining a group gives them a place to meet new people with similar interests. Trying out different extracurriculars or volunteer opportunities helps them narrow down true interests, allowing them to be more intentional throughout high school. This can also lead to clarity about potential career paths and create early scholarship readiness.

Guiding Without Micromanaging