New to U.S. schools: a family guide

How middle and high school work, the words schools use, your rights as a family, how to turn a home language into credit, and the questions to ask at school. Written in short, plain sentences that translate well.

Most web browsers can translate this page. On a phone, look for Translate in the browser menu. Families are always welcome to bring an interpreter or a bilingual family member to any call with us.

How school works, grade by grade

Grades	What matters most
6 to 8 (middle school)	Strong habits, English growth, and the math class in 8th grade, which shapes high school math.
9 to 12 (high school)	Every grade is on the transcript. Students earn credits toward graduation. Colleges look at grades from 9th grade on.
After 12th grade	Four-year college, community college, a trade program, an apprenticeship, the military or work.

Words schools use

Word	What it means
Credit	What a student earns for passing a class. High schools require a set number of credits to graduate.
GPA	Grade point average: all grades turned into one number, often on a 4.0 scale. Colleges look at it closely.
Transcript	The official record of every high school class and grade. It follows the student to college.
Core classes	English, math, science and social studies. Colleges expect several years of each.
Honors, AP and dual enrollment	Harder classes. AP and dual enrollment can earn college credit; each college decides how it counts.
English learner (EL) services	Support classes or help in regular classes for students still learning English.
Reclassification	When a school decides a student no longer needs EL services, usually based on tests and grades.
Counselor	The school staff member who helps with schedules, graduation and college. Ask for a meeting.
Parent portal	A website where parents see grades, attendance and missing work.
FAFSA	The form for federal college financial aid. Who can receive federal aid depends on citizenship or immigration status; many states and colleges offer other aid.

Your rights as a family

Public schools must give students who are learning English the support they need to learn, and must not keep them out of classes or programs because of their English.
Schools must share important information with parents in a language they understand, which can mean a translated letter or an interpreter at a meeting. You can ask for one.
EL classes should not stop your student from taking the classes needed to graduate and go to college. Ask how EL classes count toward graduation.

Turn a home language into credit

Language spoken at home

Student's grade

Questions to ask the school

What English support will my child receive, and how much of the day?
How do EL classes count toward graduation credits?
Is my child in the right math class? What is the path to Algebra I or higher?
Can my child take honors, AP or dual enrollment classes while receiving EL support?
How and when is a student reclassified?
Can my child earn credit or a Seal of Biliteracy for our home language?
Can I have an interpreter at meetings and translated notices?
Who is my child's counselor, and how do I reach them?

General information, not legal or immigration advice. Programs and rules vary by state and district; check with your school. Caveat Academic Services is not affiliated with the College Board or any testing organization.

Want help with this part? Our Family Welcome Plan gives your family one session and a written plan in plain English: the right classes, the path to graduation and college, and how to use your home language for credit. Bring an interpreter or a family member if you like.

Book a free 20-minute call See the Family Welcome Plan

This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.