What 5th Graders Must Know About College

By Quetzal Mama • October 15, 2015

10 and 11 year olds and college?

Dejalo ya!

They’ll get everything they need to know
about college in high school.

Quit being a helicopter mom!

That’s what I hear.

But, here’s my response:

“Well, who’s gonna tell Joaquin in his senior year of high school

that he’s not on track to reach his college dreams

because he neglected to do some critical things in middle school?”

Or,

“So you’re completely confident Marisol’s middle school counselor

will sit her down and map out all resources she should

maximize to be college-track in time for high school?”

Or,

“Then surely Marisol’s parents know they have the right

to place her in a middle school campus that yields her

the best outcomes like specialized academies, academic

programs, or a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program?”

Not likely.

These scenarios matter a lot for students like Joaquin and Marisol. Neither of their parents hold college degrees. Their average family income is below the poverty rate. Factor in both students attend low resourced elementary schools.

Then realize that students like Joaquin and Marisol will mostly rely on their parents and peer network for any college going information. Put these three factors together and the odds won’t be leaning toward 4-year college outcomes.

We know statistically students like Joaquin and Marisol will make a cognitive decision by the 6th grade to either self-identify as a future college student, or not.

For students in the above demographic, it’s important that we’re not just thinking about college for our 5th graders. We need to be doing something about it.

There are many deadlines that occur in the 5th grade that are seemingly unimportant – but have critical significance. These early strategic maneuvers have direct correlation to successful college outcomes. Let’s focus on a few of them.

The Right Middle School Campus – In the winter of the 5th grade year, parents will receive notifications from their school district concerning their child’s middle school placement for the following year. Most parents don’t think twice about this transition and just sign the papers and confirm their child’s enrollment.

But, the middle school campus decision has significant college-going ramifications. Consider that some campuses offer academies such as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) or Performing Arts. Others have a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) or an Honors Program.

Find out what specialized middle school programs exist in your community, the eligibility requirements, deadlines for applications (if any), and orientation dates to become familiar with these programs. These specialized programs may require nominations or recommendations from K-5 staff, so prepare in advance for this process.

Also, make note that some districts offer inter-district transfer to particular magnet or high-performing middle schools. Some counties offer intra-district transfers for such schools. Additionally, some charter school campuses enroll students via a lottery system. Learn about all of your options to make an informed decision.

The Right Curriculum to be College-Bound – Research indicates that students who take Algebra and Geometry by the end of 8th grade are significantly more likely to go on to college than student who do not. However, not all middle school campuses offer this curriculum for students. With Common Core, these courses may be identified as “Accelerated Math.” Be sure to get a list of all curriculum offered so that you are aware of all academic pathways for your student.

The Right Stats to Succeed – Once a middle school is identified as a “contender,” it’s important to look at additional factors that can impact on your child’s college future:

What percentage of students graduate from the campus?

What percentage of students meet or exceed

proficiency standards in core subjects?

How many Honors or Accelerated courses are available –

such as “Accelerated Math” or “Honors English”?

The Right College Culture – Finally, parents should be looking at on-campus college-going programs that are either embedded in the curriculum or provided as after school programs. Some of these programs include:

GEAR UP

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination

The Right Enrichment Programs – Enrichment programs or “extracurricular activities” can be highly linked to future college-going success. For example, a crochet club may not be closely linked to competitive high school extracurriculars, whereas belonging to Science Olympiad would be.

Some middle school campuses offer unique extracurricular opportunities, strategically functioning as feeder programs to the local high schools. For example, a middle school Speech & Debate Team is a strategic feeder to the high school Speech & Debate Team. Or, a Robotics Club can be a feeder for a Space & Science Academy at the high school.

Being aware of the above strategies will empower Latino parents to make an educated and informed decision concerning their 5th graders pathway to college. That’s why 5th grade matters. And, that’s why I don't care if you call me a Helicopter Mom. It’s our job as concerned parents, community organizers, and educators, to spread this timely information to impact greater numbers of college going Latin@ students.

If you appreciate these tips and want to learn more about how to prepare your K-5, middle, or high school student to be a successful and competitive college applicant, get

El Vuelo de la Mamá Quetzal: Cómo Criar Hijos Exitosos y Prepararlos para las Mejores Universidades or the English version Flight of the Quetzal Mama: How to Raise Latino Superstars and Get Them into the Best Colleges