Mid-Year Check-in: Building Strong Habits for Success

Middle school is an important time for students to build the habits and skills that will prepare them for high school—and eventually for university admission. January is a great moment for families to pause and refocus on what students need to stay on track.

As you check in with your student this month, consider reviewing some key terms and requirements they will encounter in middle and high school. Understanding these now helps students make informed choices later.

Here are a few important concepts to talk about together:

• Core Classes: English/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies form the foundation of academic progress. Strong performance in these subjects sets students up for success in high school.
• Elective Classes: In high school, students choose electives that spark their interests—such as technology, art, engineering, health, or leadership. Middle school is a good time to explore activities that may guide these future choices.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: These are college-level classes taken in high school. Knowing what AP options exist can help students start preparing early.
• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): A program in some schools that helps students build skills for academic success and prepare for college.
• Fine Arts: Courses such as music, dance, theater, and visual arts. These can count toward future high school requirements and help students discover passions.
• Foreign Language: High school students typically take at least two years of a world language. Middle school exploration can help them decide which language they’d like to pursue.
• Community Service: Some schools require service hours for graduation, and many middle school programs include service opportunities to help students learn leadership and responsibility.

As families begin the spring semester, this is a perfect time to ask:

• How is my student doing in their core classes?
• Are they developing interests that could shape elective choices in high school?
• Do they understand the pathways available to them, such as AVID or AP?

Talking about these topics now helps students feel confident and prepared as they move toward high school and beyond.

Explore more middle school success and college-readiness tools on the ASU Family website.