Graduating high school marks the beginning of a new journey for students. The transition from a comfortable high school setting to an unknown college environment is anxiety-provoking for even the most forward-thinking students.
However, the right high school can provide a robust college prep curriculum to prepare students for sustained success both in college and life after graduation.
An Overview of a Successful College Preparatory Program
In order to identify a successful college preparatory program for your child, parents need to first understand what a college prep curriculum typically entails. College preparatory programs usually consist of three main components: graduation requirements, advanced placement (AP) courses, and additional student resources. College prep academies strategically provide a mix of traditional high school courses and AP programs, combined with higher academic standards to create the foundation needed for future collegiate success.
The best college preparatory programs seek to proactively implement a campus culture that provides early exposure to college expectations. An example of how this can be accomplished in the classroom is by having experienced college professors teach preparatory courses that follow college syllabi. A successful college prep program will also offer students activities they can leverage outside of the classroom such as athletics, clubs, academic societies, and community service opportunities to engrain the importance of being a well-rounded global citizen.
Benefits of a Robust College Prep Curriculum
Parents who send their children to a college prep high school provide a distinct early advantage compared to students who receive their education at traditional high schools. Private schools that offer a robust college prep curriculum learn vital skills earlier than other students and have access to a plethora of other benefits. Parents deciding if they should send their child to a college prep school should keep in mind the following benefits.
Collegiate Skill Development
Students who attend a college prep academy will engrain independence at a crucial stage in their life. Students are faced with learning key time management skills in order to successfully complete homework while balancing their developing social life, plus additional extracurricular activities and maybe even a part time job. Students who are given the opportunity to develop a strong foundation of independence during their adolescent stages foster higher degrees of self-motivation, accountability, and confidence.
In addition to independence, students who attend a college preparatory school develop important intrapersonal skills and engrain habits needed for collegiate success, such as:
- Resiliency
- Organization
- Self-discipline
- Inclusiveness
- Highly effective study habits
More Personalized Education
College prep high schools tend to have smaller class sizes which contribute to a more hands-on, one-on-one academic experience. Teachers and staff are able to connect with each student on a personal level which plays a significant role in helping every student find success.
Paraclete High School provides students with frequent college counseling and increased one-on-one learning opportunities to ensure students are reaching their full academic potential. Our focus on the individual student has led to higher SAT and ACT scores compared to state and national averages and an impressive 63% of students receive scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.
Advanced Academic Opportunities
College prep schools simply offer more advanced academic opportunities for students to leverage in anticipation of their college career. From AP capstone programs to innovative cybersecurity programs, college prep curriculums are designed to encourage growth and academic exploration.
Preparing for Greatness with Paraclete’s Comprehensive College Prep Curriculum
A college preparatory program prepares students for future collegiate experiences including coursework, collaboration, and intrapersonal skill development. This all-encompassing approach to education instills the value of hard work in students, resulting in a smooth and successful transition to college.
If your child is bright, ambitious, and ready to tackle challenges, register for our virtual tour and information session and begin assessing if Paraclete High School is the right fit for your child.
