Get Set for Spring Semester

Jan 5, 2021

With spring semester officially launching at Futures Academy on January 11, 2021, the time has come to make sure you're all set for the next phase of your school year. To get into the right mindset to succeed at school over the next few months, be sure to take care of the following four steps. 

1. Get Organized

Managing stress during the semester often hinges on keeping your areas organized. Make sure both your virtual and onsite spaces are fresh and ready to go.

• Tidy your desk, squirreling away distractions and non-school-related items
• Re-gather your textbooks and clean out your notebooks
• Choose a place for everything and set everything in its place 
• Clean your desktop and empty your downloads folder
• Stock up on fresh school supplies

Sometimes the rituals of organizing your physical life can do wonders for clearing out your head space as well. 

2. Establish Goals

You've heard the old saying: "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time."  

In order to make sure you know what you're aiming for, be sure to set some goals before the spring semester starts. Not all goals should necessarily be grade-focused (in fact, there's very good evidence that focusing on grades alone can be counterproductive). Instead, your goals should focus on concepts you hope to master and achievements you plan to unlock. 

The most effective goals are always the ones that are supported by a concrete plan. After listing your goals, take time to brainstorm steps you will take to make those goals a reality. 

3. Consider Course Pre-Reading

While much depends on the subjects you're studying in the spring semester, many subjects can see a boost in comprehension when students engage in a bit of targeted pre-reading. Pre-reading involves any sort of reading or studying that takes place before the teacher's in-class lecture. It can provide a foundation of knowledge on which classroom study and discussions can build later. 

The fun thing about pre-reading is that it doesn't necessarily have to include the textbook. It doesn't even necessarily have to involve reading!

Activities could include any of the following items:

• Books (fiction or non-fiction!) involving the subject
• Movies and/or documentaries related to the topic at hand
• Podcast episodes and/or full series 

Whenever engaging in a subject outside the classroom, be ready to take notes and prepare questions to discuss with your teacher. 

4. Evaluate Your Current Educational Needs

There's a time for everything, and even the most effective learning methods can occasionally outlast their usefulness. Though switching schools on a whim isn't always the best idea, there are definitely circumstances that warrant a change.

It might be time to consider a new school if any of the following are true:

• Students are bored or dissatisfied
• Students' needs are not being met in their current situation
• Students crave a more dynamic learning environment than they're afforded now
• Students would benefit from one-to-one, personalized educational opportunities  

If any of those circumstances hit home for you, we're here to help. Though the change should warrant care and consideration, the actual process of switching schools can be easy, especially when you're starting your relationship with us here at Futures Academy.  

Consider Futures Academy

Here at Futures Academy, we are a proven leader in relationship-based learning.

We currently offer the flexibility of a year-round, open enrollment policy meaning you can enroll now and start at any time, with both full-time and part-time schedules available for middle school and high school students. We currently offer over 170 courses, including 32 Honors and 16 Advanced Placement (AP). 

For more information on all we have to offer, please feel free to contact us today.