How to Choose the Best High School for Your Future

Choosing a high school can feel like a monumental task. There are countless factors to consider during this selection, and it can easily become overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of the top factors to look for to help make your school choice just a little easier. Read on to learn how to choose a high school and what factors to consider during this selection process. 

How To Choose a High School in Seattle

Knowing how to choose a high school is no easy feat. Learn how to prepare for high school and start your search with this list of high school essentials. 

Academic Program

Every high school’s academic program will look a little different. Most high schools have some form of standard classes that every student must take. College preparatory high schools may offer a longer list of AP or dual-enrollment courses for college credit. Others may have an extensive list of electives. Decide on the type of program you’re looking for and choose a school that matches. 

College Preparation

College preparatory schools are an excellent choice for students looking for a more advanced program that will prepare them for higher education. These schools often have a faculty of expert advisors who can help students fully prepare for the next step in their education right from the start of high school. 

Extracurricular Activities

Whether you want to invest in your athletic career or are looking for clubs that align with your potential major, your high school should have plenty of extracurricular options. Ask an advisor for a full list of extracurricular activities and check out the school’s website for further information on how to get involved. 

Class Size 

Depending on the type of school you’ve chosen, the average class size may vary. Public high schools tend to have larger classes as more students attend. Private schools, such as Christian high schools, typically have smaller classes. These smaller classes will give students more 1:1 time with teachers, which is especially important for students if they are struggling in a particular class.

Parental Involvement

It’s likely that your parents will want to have some form of involvement in your high school career. While they will probably spend some time on their own looking into potential schools, it never hurts to understand the different ways your parents can assist you during your time in high school. 

How To Choose a Christian High School in Seattle

Many students choose a Christian high school for a variety of reasons. These include, but are not limited to: 

Faith-Based Curriculum

When it comes to choosing a Christian high school, a faith-based curriculum is a top priority. A school’s curriculum should combine academic excellence with a Christian foundation. This may include incorporating Christian ideals into lessons or instilling Biblical values into everyday life at school.   

Caring Faculty

High school educators and advisors can be a major influence on their students. That’s why it’s important to attend a school that has a faculty of Christian individuals ready to assist you in both your spiritual and academic growth. These individuals may serve as mentors or role models during your time in high school, so it can be beneficial to spend some time getting to know them during tours. 

Safe Environment

As you transition into high school, you’ll want to seek a nurturing and safe environment. One of the many benefits of choosing a Christian high school is that cultivating this type of school environment is a top priority for faculty and staff. You can rest assured that the Christian high school you choose will have measures in place to ensure students’ academic experience occurs in a secure environment. 

Character Development

The final factor to consider when it comes to choosing a high school is your personal growth. Christian high schools offer a student life that is meant to foster exceptional character development. The goal of Christian high schools such as King’s Schools is to help students become well-rounded individuals ready to take on higher education and beyond. 

High School Selection Process

So, how do you choose a high school? We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of determining the best high school for you. 

1. Determine Must-Haves

To start, you’ll want to decide on what elements of a high school are non-negotiable for you and your family. This may include private vs. public education, Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities, or certain extracurricular activities you’re interested in. Once you’ve determined these aspects, you can begin your search. 

2. List All Potential Schools

The best thing to do is create a list of every potential school you may be even remotely interested in. It may seem excessive, but you won’t want to miss out on the best high school for you by not looking into as many options as possible. Even if a school just meets your expectations, add it to the list. 

3. Narrow Your List

Once you’ve compiled your list, it’s time to narrow it down. This is the time when you’ll do a more in-depth search of each school on your list. Look into every aspect of the school, from their educational philosophy to their list of clubs. Select the top candidates that you feel would be the best fits. 

4. Visit Schools

Touring high schools is one of the best ways to get a feel for their school environment. You’ll also have the chance to meet with school leaders and staff to learn more about their program. If the schools allow you to shadow a student for a day, take advantage of that opportunity to learn first-hand what your days may look like. 

5. Meet With Advisors

While visiting the school, schedule a meeting with the advisors. They’re the ones who will have the best picture of what your high school years will look like. They can provide you information about the academic curriculum, extracurricular activities, graduation rate, financial aid, and more. They’ll also be able to help you understand the application process and the type of students they typically look for. 

6. Send in Applications

When you’ve narrowed down your final list, it’s time to send in applications. Make sure you have a parent or guardian check your applications before sending them to ensure they are properly filled out and ready to go. 

7. Decide on a School

The last step in how to choose a high school is to select the best fit! Depending on where you are accepted, you may have a few options to choose from. Talk through each option with your parent or guardian to ensure that you’re choosing the right school for you and your family. 

Explore King’s Schools 

When figuring out how to choose the best high school in Seattle, look no further than King’s Schools. As one of the best high schools in Seattle, you’ll have access to an exemplary program that focuses on academic and spiritual development alike. Our students grow through faith-based teachings, college preparation, extracurricular activities like athletics, and more. It’s our goal to prepare students for future success so they can confidently go out into the world, ready to make a difference in their communities. 

Contact us to learn more about our high school program today!