Tips for Over-aged High School Students who Want to Graduate

High school isn't always an easy journey, especially for those who have previously dropped out, been held back, or find themselves, for whatever reason, to be over-aged high school students. In this article, we'll look at some tips and helpful resources for those whose high school years extend a bit longer than average, so they can navigate the ins and outs of education with confidence and excellence.

Embrace your journey

Everyone's path in high school (and life!) looks different. Non-traditional students, for any number of reasons, may find themselves struggling to feel connected with their peers.

If you have classmates who are also over-aged, look for chances to connect. Ask them about their plans for after graduation or where they hope to be in five years. Talk about ways you can make the journey easier for each other, whether that's sharing study guides, quizzing each other, or finding places in your area to unwind after class.

Your experiences can offer valuable perspectives and maturity that can help them — don't downplay them!

Focus on independence and transitioning to adulthood

Students who are 18+ might find themselves in charge of managing their own living situation, whether by choice or necessity. Independence can be exciting, or perhaps relieving, but it can also be very complicated. When you become independent from parents or guardians, you become the manager of your own food, money, and shelter. The New York Office of Mental Health has some helpful resources in these areas for youth transitioning to adulthood. There, you'll find behavioral health and addiction support, education and employment sites, and resources for life skills, independent living, and housing.

Engage in mentorship

New Dawn Charter High School is specifically designed to cater to the needs of over-aged high schoolers. Our curriculum, teaching methods, and learning environment are all crafted with the underlying goal of student achievement for previously under-served individuals. Outside of that, one of our best resources for over-aged students is our mentorship program.

While the primary goal of this program is to make sure that students' academic performance keeps them on track to graduate, we also strive to provide a healthy, safe student-staff relationship. No matter what age, students who are struggling with a wide variety of life issues can have a comfortable space to be candid with a staff member who cares about their progress and social-emotional well-being.

New Dawn educator Janisha Crawley, M.S. Ed, M.A.S., remembers one of her experiences working with an over-aged high school student. "I mentored a student who struggled with low self-esteem and anxiety about her academic abilities, particularly in her English classes because she struggled with reading. She would often feel overwhelmed by the classwork and had difficulty asking for help, which led to a decline in her attendance and grades and a lack of confidence in her ability to pass her classes. In addition to my weekly check-ins with my mentees, I prioritize creating a safe and non-judgmental space for them to feel comfortable expressing their fears and frustrations.

"Our relationship allowed her to open up about her struggles and anxieties, and I was able to advocate for her requesting help from her teachers. Together, we set realistic goals. I followed up and supported her as the weeks went by, ensuring she was able to attain the set goals. I consistently acknowledged and celebrated her progress, no matter how small, boosting her confidence and motivation. My mentee’s attendance then increased as well as her academics. She began to connect more with her teachers, and trust that I was there to support her."

Balance work and study

Many over-aged students are tasked with maintaining an income while they're still in high school. In that case, it's important that teachers and administrators know. As soon as you've accepted a job, notify your teachers of your hours and how it may affect your after-school schedule. Even if your after-school job is within a field that will potentially provide career advancement after graduation, your academic success should still take priority — all the way until graduation.

At New Dawn, you can ask your mentor to help you create an in-depth schedule in a planner or an app. UpBase and Notion are two high-rated scheduling apps that many students find success with, but even Google Calendar can get the job done. Fill it out as far in advance as you can, and make sure it's accessible throughout your day. It should include all important dates, deadlines, assignments, exams, and events. Break your time into blocks with specific times for studying or completing homework. Try to stick to these times consistently to build a routine. If you know that you have specific hours that are more effective for studying, try to avoid scheduling work then.

If you're having trouble maintaining a healthy, manageable balance between your work and your academics, tell someone. Teachers, faculty, and school administration want to see you succeed, and will do what they can to support you and make the journey less stressful. Talk to them about concerns you have about your abilities to complete certain assignments on time or obligations you might have outside of school facilities.

Supporting family

Some students initially drop out or pause high school in order to care for a new child. It's a huge sacrifice. If you're tasked with the responsibilities of being a child's guardian and continuing education, you're probably going to feel overwhelmed at first. But you still can reach your goals.

Again, your first step should be talking with your teachers and mentor. Let them know all the ways that being a parent affects your schedule. Consider:

• Who will the child be with during the day?
• What will the protocol be for doctor appointments or emergencies in which you have to leave school to take care of the child?
• Are there any ways to accommodate virtual education resources or assignments so they can be completed while you're caring for the child at home?
• What does your commitment to completing your education represent to your child? What do you hope to be modeling for them?

Choosing to continue your education as a new, young parent is a selfless decision, and one that will take a lot of extra effort and support. Fortunately, you can find lots of supplemental resources online specifically for teen parents. GenerationNYC provides links to educational programs for young parents, accessible higher education resources, employment assistance, and much more.

Over-aged high school students are set for success at NDCHS

NDCHS provides over-aged, under-credited students with the opportunity to take charge of their learning and turn their trajectory in education toward success. With smaller class sizes, more individualized learning, and a staff trained in rigorous NYSED standards, every student at New Dawn is provided with the educational opportunities, resources, and support they need to graduate high school with a diploma. If you or someone you know could benefit from the offerings at NDCHS, check out our admissions and enrollment page and fill out an interest form today!