Summer Goals Checklist for High School Families
With roughly one more month until school resumes, there’s still ample time for your child to redeem the time. Review this summer checklist CCA’s School Counseling team put together with your rising high schooler and see what you can still accomplish during these final few weeks of summer!
Do you have a child in high school who is running out of things to do this summer? If so, don’t panic!
With roughly one more month until school resumes, there’s still ample time for your child to redeem the time by taking proactive steps toward preparing for life after high school. It’s never too early to get a head start.
It’s never too early to get a head start.
In Proverbs 6, we are told to look at the wise example of the ant. Verses 7 and 8 state that this tiny but mighty creature “has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
When we take the initiative to plan ahead with diligence — while ultimately recognizing that the Lord is the one who determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9) — we can reap blessings like peace, knowledge, opportunities, and so much more.
This month, set aside some time to review this summer checklist put together by CCA’s School Counseling team with your rising freshman, sophomore, junior, and/or senior, and see what you can still accomplish during these final few weeks of summer!
Summer Goals for Rising Freshmen and Sophomores
Create and link a College Board account with your Khan Academy account (a free resource!) to begin PSAT prep
Did you know?
The PSAT/NMSQT exam students take in their junior year can qualify them for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarships. Many CCA alumni like the ones featured in this article have been offered full and partial scholarships to universities because of this prestigious designation!
Work on any summer reading and math assignments you may have been assigned.The PSAT/NMSQT exam students take in their junior year can qualify them for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarships. Many CCA alumni like the ones featured in this article have been offered full and partial scholarships to universities because of this prestigious designation!
While students may not be enthusiastic about summer work, it’s designed to keep their minds sharp and prevent learning delays while school is not in session.
Earn community service hoursEngagement with the community helps identify skills, gifts, abilities, and talents. Have a goal of at least 30 hours by the start of 10th grade. 120 hours is the graduation requirement here at CCA; by meeting this requirement, students also meet the minimum service hour requirements for the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholarship and Florida Medallion Scholarship.
CCA students can log their hours using this form.
CCA students can log their hours using this form.
Summer Goals for Rising Juniors
Prep for the PSAT/SAT/ACT
CCA upperclassmen have the opportunity to take a digital SAT prep workshop hosted by Sensa Educational Systems on our Fort Lauderdale campus this July and August. Click here to read what CCA students who have taken this course have to say about it!
Make a list of colleges/universities you may consider attending and visiting
CCA Fort Lauderdale rising 10th–12th grade students can access Scoir — an excellent, comprehensive online college and career planning tool. Students can use the Scoir College Search Feature to research information on different colleges and identify ones that will be a good fit based on their interests and other criteria. You can even bookmark colleges you’re thinking of applying to!
Continue working on your community service hours!Joining a service-oriented school club is a fun and easy way to accumulate service hours with peers while making a difference in the community together.
Summer Goals for Rising Seniors
Prep for the SAT/ACT
(See section above for an on-campus SAT/ACT prep course being offered this summer!)
Narrow down your college choices and begin college applications/essaysUsing Scoir (see previous section for more details about the platform) is also a great way to stay organized throughout the college application process.
CCA families can plan to attend CCA’s Fall College Fair and FAFSA workshop this upcoming school year. We also recommend setting up a Common App account. Common App is a college application platform widely used by a majority of colleges/universities to use one application for many schools.
Schedule campus visits if you have not done so alreadyCCA families can plan to attend CCA’s Fall College Fair and FAFSA workshop this upcoming school year. We also recommend setting up a Common App account. Common App is a college application platform widely used by a majority of colleges/universities to use one application for many schools.
It is best to plan campus visits when classes are in session, if possible. Make it a fun family road trip during a holiday break! Should college visits need to be planned during the school year, CCA upperclassmen have two excused absences that can be used toward college campus visits.
If traveling is not an option, taking a virtual tour of the campus online is the second best way to get acquainted with a campus.
Pursue experiential engagement If traveling is not an option, taking a virtual tour of the campus online is the second best way to get acquainted with a campus.
Continue to engage in community service activities and consider internship opportunities to help identify college majors and possible career paths. Develop a resume and be prepared to present your skills/experiences to college representatives and future employers.
There you have it. As you can see, there’s never a shortage of things to do when you’re in high school.
As you strategize this checklist together as a family, we encourage you to approach it with prayer, a growth mindset, and a teachable spirit, making the most of this season God has you in!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
–Jeremiah 29:11
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