Grade 9

The transition to high school can be exciting, a new beginning, and daunting.  You are sending your child into a life-changing adventure.  With this adventure might come some new questions.  What comes next?  What can I expect?  What is high school like?  How do I schedule my classes?  Incoming 9th graders will start their first day in high school at Freshmen Orientation.  Link Crew Leaders will be assigned to small groups of 9th graders to transition to a new school.  Our goal at Portage High School is to help make this transition as smooth as possible.  

All Things are Possible - Start Now!

College and career may seem like a long way off, but if you start planning now, you'll be one step ahead.  Being prepared is easy - and it opens up a world of possibilities in college. You'll find tips on what you need to know to help you through the process of planning and preparing for college by clicking on the link below:

Next Stop College - Planning and Preparing for 9th & 10th Graders

• Where are you headed?
  • Think about a career
  • Take a career assessment in Xello (f/k/a Career Cruising)
  • Expect a lot of yourself
• Now that you know what career path you're on, do the following:
  • Put together an academic portfolio
  • Take the right high school classes
  • Plan for standardized tests - ACT, PSAT, SAT, etc.
  • Look into colleges
• Here's a sneak preview of what you can expect when it's time to apply for college:
  • Apply for admission
  • Apply for financial aid (FAFSA)
  • Understand the types of financial aid - scholarships/grants, work study & loans
• What can you do now?
  • Stay on track
  • Keep talking
  • Get involved
  • Start searching
  • Work hard
  • Keep saving
  • Forecast your future
  • Make summer count

Make your freshmen year count!  Your grades this year will affect your college and career choices in your senior year.