Study Abroad

Parents of all students:

Many people believe that study abroad should happen in college, but there are many study abroad experiences for high school students. Students can go abroad for a few weeks, the summer, a semester, a school year, or even after graduation (often referred to as a "gap year").

Students who study abroad gain confidence, independence, maturity, language skills, and perspective. Many colleges and employers look favorably on study abroad experience because people who have lived abroad gain a global perspective that is becoming more important in our global economy.

Parents often have legitimate concerns about student safety when considering study abroad. Families should investigate different study abroad agencies to find one that is the best fit. Agencies should be able to clearly explain their procedures for ensuring student safety and appropriate placement with a host family. They should provide a contact person for the student who can provide assistance when needed.

THS is hosting two information sessions for students to learn more about study abroad.

• Thursday, December 1 during APP, Academic Programs International
• Tuesday, December 6 during APP, Tahoma exchange students talk about their experience
• Tuesday, December 13 during APP & lunches, AFS-USA

Presentations will be held in the College and Career Center. Students who wish to attend should check in with their teachers during break, then report to room 305.

Resources (some of these refer to study abroad in college, but contain helpful information)

Study Abroad Safety Tips - Parent Guide

10 Unnecessary Fears about Going Abroad in High School

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Parents of seniors:

If your student is planning to pursue any type of education next year and hasn't filled out the FAFSA, now is the time!

Many people believe that they shouldn't bother filling out the FAFSA because they think they are not eligible for financial aid. However, there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors are taken into consideration, and eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not just your income.

Another misconception is that two year and technical schools don't offer financial aid or scholarships. They do!

Students who earn scholarships from their colleges--both academic and merit-based--almost always need to complete the FAFSA as part of the paperwork to access those scholarship dollars.

Financial aid is limited, so those who apply earlier are more likely to get aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work study jobs. Because the FAFSA is being made available earlier this year, many schools are already starting to process financial aid packages so students have more time to make decisions.

You don't have to complete the FAFSA all at once, so get started this weekend.

Resources
Start filling out the FAFSA
10 myths about the FAFSA
How to determine dependency status
YouTube videos to help you with the FAFSA

Running Start

Parents of sophomores & juniors:

The Running Start program offers academically qualified high school juniors and seniors enrolled in public high schools the opportunity to take college classes while earning credit for high school. Students may take classes at local colleges such as Green River College or Bellevue College. To learn more about benefits, things students should consider, and how to get started, click below.

Getting Started in Running Start

Students who are interested in Running Start should make an appointment to see their counselor.

Registration for 2017-18

Parents of sophomores & juniors:

Students will be registering for next year's classes earlier than usual. They will start planning for next year in December and will receive registration materials in January. Registration materials will be distributed in English classes and students will submit their requests for classes using Skyward by midnight on Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). 

Registration is occurring earlier this year so there is plenty of time to work out the complexities of the schedule for the new high school.

There will be a parent information night on January 12 from 7-9 pm in the gym at THS where parents can get more information about registration.