5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Educational Thought Leadership
Why Extra Academic Support in High School Could Make a World of Difference
September 27, 2024
High school is one of the most important times in a young person’s life. It’s a time when students are learning more complicated subjects, getting ready for their future, and sometimes feeling a lot of pressure. For many students, having extra academic support during these critical years can make all the difference in helping them succeed.
This article explains why extra academic help is so important and how programs like Roots to Routes Academy, a school made by black educators for black students, can provide the personalized support that many young people need. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why having the right academic support during high school can change the path of a student’s life and how Roots to Routes Academy can offer a solution that helps students thrive.
The Critical High School Years: Why Support Matters
High school is a time when students begin facing bigger challenges in their education. They’re no longer just learning basic math or reading—they’re tackling harder subjects like algebra, chemistry, and essays that require critical thinking. On top of this, they have to prepare for tests, figure out what they want to do after graduation, and maybe even start applying for colleges or jobs.
Many students feel overwhelmed during this time. They may struggle with certain subjects, have difficulty staying motivated, or find it hard to keep up with their peers. Without the right support, students can start to fall behind. Once they do, it can feel impossible to catch up.
This is where extra academic support becomes so important.
- Extra help can improve grades: Sometimes, students just need a little extra explanation or practice to understand a difficult subject. When they get that help, their grades improve, and they feel more confident.
- It prepares them for the future: High school is the last stop before adulthood. Extra academic support helps students develop the skills they need for college or the working world.
It builds confidence: When students receive help and start doing better in school, they feel more capable. This confidence spreads to other areas of their life, helping them tackle new challenges with a positive mindset.
The Benefits of Extra Academic Support
There are many reasons why extra academic support is important, especially during high school. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Personalized Learning
Every student learns in their own way. Some students might understand math quickly but need extra help in reading. Others might be the opposite. Unfortunately, in large classrooms, teachers can’t always provide the personalized attention every student needs.
Extra academic support offers personalized learning by giving each student the specific help they need to succeed. Whether it’s tutoring or extra lessons, this type of learning focuses on areas where the student needs improvement.
2. Improved Academic Outcomes
Studies have shown that students who receive extra academic support often perform better in school. They get better grades, score higher on tests, and complete assignments with more ease. This is because they have the time and space to really understand difficult subjects instead of just trying to keep up.
3. Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem
Struggling in school can make students feel bad about themselves. They might think they’re not smart enough, which can lead to frustration and giving up. Extra academic support can boost their confidence by showing them that they can succeed with a little help. When they start to understand the material and see their grades improve, their self-esteem grows.
4. College and Career Readiness
For many students, the goal after high school is to go to college or start a career. But getting into college or securing a good job takes more than just passing grades. Students need to be prepared for the challenges ahead.
Extra academic support can help students become more ready for college by teaching them how to study, prepare for tests, and manage their time wisely. It also helps them develop skills that are important in the workplace, like problem-solving and critical thinking.
5. Emotional and Social Support
Sometimes, the struggles students face aren’t just academic—they might also need emotional or social support. This is especially true for students who feel out of place or don’t have a strong support system at home. Extra academic support programs often focus on the whole student, providing guidance in both their schoolwork and their personal lives.
Roots to Routes Academy: A Model of Support for Black Students
One school that offers a unique kind of extra academic support is Roots to Routes Academy. This academy was created by Black educators, for Black students. It is not just a school where students learn—they also grow, celebrate their identities, and receive the personalized support they need to achieve success.
Roots to Routes Academy is different from many other schools because it understands the specific challenges that Black students often face. In traditional schools, Black students may experience systemic biases or feel misunderstood by their teachers. They might not see themselves reflected in the curriculum, or they could feel pressure to conform to norms that don’t honour their culture or identity.
At Roots to Routes Academy, this is not the case. The school is designed to be a safe space where Black students can be themselves. They are encouraged to celebrate their culture and identity, and they are supported by teachers who understand their background and experiences.
How Roots to Routes Academy Supports Black Students:
- Personalized Teaching: The school provides individualized teaching to help students at every level, whether they need extra support in a subject or want to excel further in their studies. Teachers take the time to get to know each student and provide them with the personalized attention they need to succeed.
- Culturally Affirming Curriculum: The lessons at Roots to Routes Academy celebrate Black history, culture, and achievements. This helps students see themselves in what they’re learning, which makes education feel more meaningful and relevant to their lives.
- Mentorship and Role Models: Students at Roots to Routes Academy have access to mentors who understand the unique challenges they face. These mentors provide guidance, inspiration, and encouragement, helping students not only academically, but also emotionally and socially.
Community Support: One of the most important aspects of Roots to Routes Academy is the sense of community it creates. Students feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. They are surrounded by people who want them to succeed, which boosts their confidence and motivation.
Real Impact
Students who attend Roots to Routes Academy often see huge improvements in their academic performance. They also report feeling more confident, proud of their identity, and excited about their future. By offering both academic and emotional support, the academy helps students thrive in ways they might not have been able to in traditional schools. Here’s what one of our students is saying about our school:
Why Tailored Support is Particularly Crucial for Black Students
Black students, particularly in regions like Ontario, Canada, often face unique challenges in school. These challenges can include feeling disconnected from the curriculum, experiencing systemic biases, and not having role models who look like them or understand their cultural background. These factors can make it hard for Black students to feel motivated, understood, or supported.
1. Addressing Systemic Biases
Systemic bias in education can sometimes mean that Black students don’t receive the same opportunities or attention as their peers. This could be due to stereotypes, misunderstandings, or even unintentional bias from teachers and school systems. Extra academic support—especially from educators who understand these challenges—can help students overcome these barriers and reach their full potential.
2. Creating a Safe and Affirming Space
For Black students, it’s important to have a school environment where they feel safe and valued. Programs like Roots to Routes Academy provide this kind of space. Here, students can learn and grow without feeling the pressure to conform or hide parts of their identity. When students feel safe and accepted, they’re more likely to engage with their education and push themselves to succeed.
3. Support Beyond Academics
Black students also need emotional and social support to navigate the complexities of their identity in a society that may not always be welcoming. Roots to Routes Academy provides this support through mentorship, a strong community, and a focus on self-esteem and identity development. This helps students not only succeed in school but also in life.
Conclusion
High school is a crucial time in every student’s life. It’s when they start preparing for their future, facing bigger challenges, and discovering who they are. For many students, especially those facing unique challenges, extra academic support can be the key to success.
Roots to Routes Academy is a shining example of how personalized, culturally affirming education can change the lives of Black students. By providing a safe space, personalized teaching, and community support, the academy helps students grow academically and personally.
If you’re looking for a way to ensure your child receives the best possible education and support, consider enrolling them in a program like Roots to Routes Academy. Don’t let your child fall behind or miss out on the opportunity to grow in an environment that truly understands and supports them. The future is bright when they have the right support!
