Transitioning to High School
Helpful information for our 8th graders and their families!
What you need to have completed at the end of your middle school year to transition
Residency verification:
- Photo ID
- Three pieces of mail dated within the last 60 days
- Mortgage, deed, leasing agreement (address page and signature page)
- Photo ID
- Three pieces of mail dated within the last 60 days
- Shared domicile renewal form filled out
Magnet Program Information
Elective classes your school may have!
Ask your School Counselors what types of electives your school has for you to take. Classes available could be: Photography, Digital Art, Weight training, Dance, etc.
Transcripts come in handy!
Transcripts are the record of all grades and stay forever. You can use them for more than college. They will come in handy for jobs, military, etc.
Standard classes/Honors/Gifted and Talented/Advanced Placement
- Baltimore County essential curriculum.
- Very valuable!
- Baltimore County essential curriculum that moves at a faster pace.
- Level above standard.
- Step above honors and significantly increases the level of vigor and student expectations.
- GT is a good starting place before AP. Not all students who are in GT are ready for that AP jump!
- Taking an AP class allows the student the opportunity to receive college credit.
- The policy for accepted AP credits will differ between colleges/universities.
Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships in High School
Your GPA matters!
- The tuition free program at CCBC: did you know that you could take tuition free community college classes while you are still in high school? The program is open to BCPS sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 2.5
- Sports eligibility requires a 2.0 GPA with no more than 1 failure.
- Senior opportunities: Dual enrollment (CCBC), internships, etc.
The RIGHT 22.5 credits in High School
4 English Credits (English 9,10,11,12)
3.5 Social Studies Credits (American Government, World History, US History, Economics/Finance)
4 Math Credits and Math each year of high school
3 Science Credits (Living Systems/Biology, Chemistry/Physics, Earth Systems,)
1 Physical Education Credit (Fitness Foundation/Fitness Mastery)
1 Fine Art Credit (Art or Music)
1 Technology Credit
1 Credit of Health
4 credits that equal a high school completer. *Talk to student's School Counselor about what completers are available and what may be best for your student.
Employment for minors
Early involvement in clubs, sports, activities
Look over upcoming year's schedule before school starts!
Academic Transition
Expect to have homework every night! (Example: Review chapters, preview chapters, vocabulary, notecards)
Get organized! (Example: Notebooks, folders, binders, lists, etc.)
Manage your time effectively! (Example: Planner, Timing of Assignments)
Attendance is important! Missing Instruction and missing assignments are detrimental to your grades.
Ask for help when you need it! Some supports in your building may be counselors, administrators, teachers, coach class, tutoring, etc.