Just how important is a college admissions essay?
How much difference does a great college essay make in admission — and what really makes a great essay?
How parents can help their freshman teens cope with stress
The stress of starting high school can be excessive, even toxic. Here's how parents can help.
Step-by-step guide to choosing a high school
Ready to pick a high school? Here's your step-by-step guide, including how to use GreatSchools.org's school profiles to find the best school for your child.
“They” is here; get used to it
Is a teen you know telling you they’re a “they?" Here's how parents can navigate the new world of gender pronouns.
Meet 5 of the 1,722 College Success Award-winning high schools helping low-income students thrive
GreatSchools.org uses data to give College Success Awards to high schools that are helping all students prepare for, and succeed in, college.
Teens have less face time with their friends — and are lonelier than ever
According to a new study, teen loneliness rates have surged since 2010, the year the smartphone came into widespread use.
Many colleges don't require the SAT or ACT
More colleges than ever have admissions policies that make taking the SAT or the ACT optional. Here's why that's good news for many applicants.
Can your child tell fact from fake online?
Most kids can't, despite being raised on technology. Here's how to help your child learn what to trust online.
Why teens aren’t in any hurry to grow up
"Adulting," a verb used to describe teens performing adult responsibilities as if this were remarkable, has now entered the lexicon. Here's why.
Emilia’s story
GreatSchools’ weekly grade-based newsletters empower parents to support their child’s academic and social-emotional learning. One reader shares the role the newsletters have played in her life.
College Success Award winner: Marshall High School
In this small, tight-knit Ozarks community, school leaders do whatever it takes to help kids get to college. Last year, they raised $1.8M in scholarships and financial aid for seniors.
Schley Middle High School: Doing what's best for kids
In the name of doing what's best for kids, College Success Award-winning Schley Middle High School embraces dual-enrollment, offers one-on-one academic and college counseling, and ensures that there's a path for every student.
Goals are a graduation requirement
At College Success Award-winning Cass City Junior and Senior High School, all students are walked through the process of planning their postsecondary paths.
College Success Award: Denver School of Science and Technology Stapleton
High expectations, intensive college counseling, and teachers who go the extra mile make college success possible for all students — even if it takes extra time.
High schools’ secrets for success: advanced academics
Rigorous academic offerings, both within school and through extracurricular programs, are a crucial strategy for high schools focused on helping students succeed in college.
High schools' secrets for success: identifying at-risk students
Reaching out to struggling students at all grade levels may be an important strategy for helping all kids succeed.
High schools' secrets for success: high expectations for all students
Conveying a belief in students' ability to achieve underlies many of the best practices high schools use to help students get to college and succeed once they get there.
Elizabethtown High School: Focus on the future
Elizabethtown High School's recipe for success includes access to advanced classes, the expectation that every student can go to college, and lots of support outside of class, from Saturday tutoring to a place to do laundry.
The benefits of living on campus in college
Wondering whether or not your child should live in the dorms freshman year? Research shows there are academic benefits to living on campus in college.
10 great chores for teens
Is your teen doing these chores at home? Experts say making teens responsible for household tasks teaches them important life skills.
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