SLS Blog

High school an important time, when students learn more about the world around them and find their passions. They get involved in clubs and sports and have to learn about time management and goal-setting. The transition from middle school to high school is daunting for many students. Here are some tips on how to prepare for high school and be a successful student.

Get Involved

A great way to be successful in High School is to get involved on campus. Participating in extracurricular activities can help with concentration and time management. Studies have shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities receive higher grades and obtain more overall success in high school. At St. Lawrence Seminary High School, students are encouraged to get involved in clubs, sports, volunteer opportunities and other group activities. We also cultivate fraternities to develop positive relationships. Students are placed in fraternities of 10-12 boys that are balanced on grade, culture and compatibility. These fraternities forge lifelong friendships. Learn more about our fraternities and how we develop social skills.

Start College Prep Courses

College prep courses can make the high school experience more interesting and successful for students who want to be challenged and want to get a feel for what college work will be like. St. Lawrence offers dual credit college courses in partnership with Marian University of Fond du Lac. After a St. Lawrence High School student successfully completes the dual credit coursework, Marian University issues a college transcript for the course.

Find an Accountability Partner

In high school, it’s crucial for each student to find an accountability partner to help them stay on track. At St. Lawrence Seminary, we implement a mentorship evaluation program for our students that looks at their progress and growth on a quarterly basis. At the middle and end of every quarter, students meet with faculty and the student supervisory staff to discuss their progress. We also have a Spiritual Direction program that asks Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors to pick a Spiritual Director and meet with them once or twice a semester to discuss anything about the student's life.

Participate in Class

Students who actively participate in class are more engaged in their learning and can better retain information. By participating in class, these students can also gain skills in public speaking, asking deep questions, and learning how to discuss topics with others who have different viewpoints.

Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

The skill of setting attainable short-term and long-term goals can lead to success in both high school and life beyond the high school years. The key to successful goal setting is to stay away from unrealistic goals and for each student to understand his or her own motivators and work habits. Figure out every step that it will take to get to each goal and then break down each step into manageable tasks that can be spread out over time. Stay away from trying to complete the entire task at the very last minute!

Are you considering a Boarding School for you or your son? St. Lawrence Seminary High School provides a residential college preparatory education in a living Catholic community that nurtures mature, well-rounded men of faith. We offer college preparatory courses, experiential learning, ministry opportunities, clubs, sports and more. Download our free Parent's Guide for more information:

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