Enrollment & Transfers- Being in the school that is the best match for your learning style, career interests and development is one is crucial to succeeding in high school. Although you have the right to stay in the school that you attended when you entered care that does not mean that you should not explore a different school placement. Your social worker and GAL will help you to find a quality school with a wide variety of courses, vocational training programs, and extracurricular activities. You should be in a school where you feel safe, secure and happy. If you need special supports due to a learning difference then you should have the needed resources to succeed. You have the right to be in the best school possible. There are a wide variety of charter schools in DC where staff provide intensive support, mentoring and coaching that will help you prepare for post-secondary education and training and help you to transition into adulthood.
Educational Resources, Transportation & Supplies-Your social worker and other CFSA staff will help you obtain all of the supplies and resources needed to succeed in high school. CFSA is responsible for making sure that you have uniforms, books, pens, paper, notebooks and all other needed items. They are also responsible for making sure that you have transportation to school. This means that they will pay for a metro card or transportation service if your school is a far away.
Tutoring-If you are having trouble with understanding school work and need help talk to your social worker because high school students have access to tutoring services. Do not wait until it is too late. Talk to your social worker as soon as your start having issues.
Extracurricular Activities/Sports- It is essential that you are involved in at least one extracurricular activity or sports team. These activities help you to enjoy your high school experience and enhance your learning experience. These activities can include the arts (theatre, dance, painting, drawing or choir), organized sports, gymnastics, debate teams or cultural clubs. If there are not activities at your school then your social worker or resource provider will help you to find enriching activities in the community through non-profits, recreation centers or other organizations. CFSA should pay for any reasonable costs associated with participation such as enrollment fees, uniforms or other supplies.
Standardized Testing- During your junior year you will take the ACT and/or the SAT. These are tests that are required to apply to most colleges and universities (including community colleges). CFSA will pay for your testing fees and will help you find a tutor to help you prepare for the tests.
GED and Non-Traditional Educational Programs: If you were not able to complete high school through a traditional four-year high school program there are options for you to receive your high school diploma. It is extremely important for you to receive your GED or obtain your high school diploma through an adult educational program. Your social worker and the Educational Specialists at OYE will work with the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) ReEngagment Center (DC REC) to find the program that best meets your interests and needs. You can also reach out to the team at the DC REC directly. There are programs where you can work on a trade or work skill certification while you work toward your GED.
College Preparation- College preparation begins your ninth grade year. There are many things that you can do to prepare such as visiting college campuses, researching schools online, volunteering in your community, participating in after school activities and maintaining good grades. CFSA has resources available to high school students so that they can plan and prepare for college. They will help with:
- Help you research colleges, (including looking at admission requirements), find summer preparatory programs and arrange college tours
- Help during the first semester of your 12th grade year they will assist with selecting/applying to schools, financial aid and searching for scholarships
- After you have been accepted they will help with enrolling, obtaining housing, getting supplies, moving into the dorms and they will help with the social and emotional transition into the college atmosphere
Senior Year- During your senior year of high school there will be many expenses that you will need to pay for such as prom, graduation gowns, and your class trip. Participating in these special events is an important part of your high school experience and you deserve the opportunity to participate. You can receive up to $500 from CFSA to help pay for some of these expenses (see list below). This amount probably will not cover all of your expenses so you should talk with your social work, GAL, and resource provider to help with paying for the items. You should also start setting aside some of your monthly allowance to help pay for these things as well.
- Cap & gown/class ring
- Graduation Pictures/Invitations/Announcements
- Class Trip
- Prom & formal events