Whether you’ve been following along for a while or you’re just starting your journey with us, you should know that back-to-school season is our favourite time of year here at Options. And while we love just about everything about September (new planners! crisp mornings! fresh starts!), we know it can also feel overwhelming for students and families trying to balance academics, extracurriculars, and future planning. That’s why we’re here to help students navigate the start of the school year with clarity, confidence, and a plan that sets them up for success. Read on to learn how Options helps with back to school.
Academic Readiness
Options works with students to review course selections, ensuring they are on track for their post-secondary goals. Beyond course planning, our writing coaches and consultants help students build essential study and organizational skills, develop their reading and writing skills, and connect with their support network. By establishing these habits early, students can better balance academics with their other responsibilities throughout the year.
Post-Secondary Preparation
Whether you’re in grade 11 or 12, back-to-school is the perfect time to start thinking about the future. For grade 11 students, we guide them through identifying right-fit schools, exploring program requirements, and laying the groundwork for future applications. For grade 12s, we create personalized application timelines and writing plans that break down essays, deadlines, and reference requests into manageable steps. Throughout this process, we help students build a strong portfolio of extracurriculars, leadership experiences, and academic achievements that align with their goals.
Goal-Setting and Executive Functioning
Options Consultants and writing coaches work one-on-one with students to set achievable academic and personal goals, break large projects into manageable steps, and create schedules that support both their academic work and individual well-being. Regular check-ins with our staff provide accountability and flexibility, ensuring students can adjust their plans as the year progresses without losing momentum.
Extracurriculars and Enrichment
Options helps students find activities that are reflective of their interests, strengths, and passions while also maintaining a healthy balance between their academics, enrichment, and downtime. We know that meaningful extracurricular activities can enhance both student growth and post-secondary applications, so we also guide students towards volunteer and leadership opportunities that offer real-world impact and align with their long-term goals.
At Options, out goal is simple: help students start the year with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether it’s academic planning, post-secondary prep, or developing lifelong skills, we support every student in tackling their back-to-school experience with grace and good humour.
Ready to start the year with a plan that works? Connect with an Options consultant today!
