Junior year is arguably the most important year for a student’s high school success. In one short year students will be taking college entrance exams, touring universities, submitting applications, exploring extracurriculars and much much more. It can’t be understated how important this year is for both students and parents! In this article we’ll answer the question of why is junior year so important!
1. Academic Performance and Coursework
So why is junior year so important for high school success then? Well it really boils down to what the student plans to do after high school. For a student that isn’t going to school, junior year is still pivotal. This is when a student has the ability to really explore career interests through electives and after school activities. In addition to this, junior year is one of the hardest years academically, so for any student looking for high school success, they’ll need to prepare.
Students who are planning on going to college will need to focus on developing their academic portfolio. This is a combination of academic performance as well as extracurriculars. So how can you contribute to your high school success junior year? You can do so by:
- Taking challenging courses (AP, Honors, etc)
- Developing effective study habits
- Enlisting in tutoring early in the year
2. Preparing for Standardized Tests
Many people will assume the reason for junior year being so important is that the SAT and ACT are taken during this time. If you think this than you would be correct! If you’re considering university or college, you’ll need to take one or both of these tests. It is important to note though that more and more universities are becoming test optional. What this means is schools are no longer requiring students to submit standardized test scores. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the SAT or ACT though! Taking the tests and only including them with your college applications when they benefit you is key point.
How to Prepare for the ACT and SAT
There are multiple ways to prepare for both tests, but first it’s important to identify which exam is best for you. I still recommend taking both, but each exam focuses on a specific type of strength. ACT.org defines the differences between the two tests as:
While the ACT and SAT may seem similar at first glance, there are key distinctions that set them apart. Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities. Additionally, the ACT also includes a science section, making it a go-to choice for those interested in STEM fields.
I highly recommend taking a practice test or study course to prepare. Both of which are great options! It can also be worth looking into a dedicated tutor that can help guide your study sessions for the test as well!
3. The Importance of Extracurriculars
Colleges seek well rounded students. What exactly does this mean though? While it’s important to have good to have a good academic standing on your application, colleges will want to see a student who also participates in activities outside of the classroom. This can come in the form of extracurriculars. Traditional extracurriculars can be sports, after school clubs, NHS, and student council. It doesn’t end there though! A student who also has an after school job or has volunteer hours to showcase is important!
While this all sounds good, it’s important to emphasize quality over quantity! Showing dedication in any of these activities is ultimately what they want see. This shows a college that you’re able to effectively maintain a busy schedule without leading to burnout!
4. Developing a Relationship with Teachers
I’m sure if you’ve already started college applications, you’ve noticed the requirement for teacher recommendations. These are an important part of college applications and during your junior year it’s important to start cultivating these relationships if you haven’t started already. You can begin nurturing your relationship with teachers by:
- Participating in class discussions
- Talking with your teachers after class
- Seeking direct feedback
Once you feel like you’ve developed a rapport with a teacher, it’s important to ask them early on for a letter of recommendation. Teachers dislike when students wait until the last minute so be sure to give them time to complete them. I would say asking them well before the due date of an application is key.
Why is Junior Year so Important?
I hope I was able to help answer the question of why is junior year so important for high school success. The importance on not only academics, but extracurriculars, standardized testing, and your relationship with your teachers all contribute to your ability to craft an expert-level college application. Now more than ever, it’s important to stand out from the crowd with an application that showcases your true potential.
If you’re interested in a school that can help you stand out from the crowd, I recommend checking out our online private school: Tenney School Live. Here at TSL, we teach each and every one of our online classes synchronously, and one-to-one. This means you’re meeting with your teacher, one-on-one, each and every day! It really is the best way to get an individualized and personalized education! Inquire today and see how we are the right fit for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our online school offers rigorous and personalized education programs for students in grades 5-12. We also offer college-level courses for upper-level high school students to begin earning college credits while still in high school. The school’s curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for college and beyond.
We offer a wide range of courses for students of all ages and skill levels. We provide core classes in Math, Science, English, History, and more. Consider the following list of core classes from middle to high school.
| English | Science | History | Math |
| Eng 6 | Sci 6 | World History | Math 6 |
| Eng 7 | Life Sci | Texas History | Pre-Alg or Math 7 |
| Eng 8 | IPC or Earth Sci | US History | Alg I or Pre-Alg |
| Eng I | Biology | World Geography | Geom or Alg I |
| Eng II | Chem or Env Sci | World History | Alg II or Geom |
| AP Eng III or Eng III | Physics or Chem | AP US History or US History | Pre-Cal or Alg II |
| AP Eng IV or Eng IV | AP Env Sci or Physics | US Government & Economics | AP Calculus or Pre-Cal |
We also offer credit classes in subjects such as Spanish, Music, and Art, as well as specialized programs such as SAT/ACT test prep and college readiness courses to help students excel academically.
Our tuition structure is based on a semester system, with each semester consisting of 20 weeks of instruction. The cost varies depending on the grade level and number of courses taken, but we strive to keep our prices reasonable and transparent. Consider the following tuition payment schedule.
| Semester Cost | Full Year Cost | |
| Math | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| Social Studies | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| Science | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| English | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| Spanish | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| Art | $500 | $1,000 |
| Music | $500 | $1,000 |
We offer various payment plans to accommodate different financial situations. Additionally, we provide financial aid options for families in need. At Tenney School Live, we are committed to making quality education affordable for all students.
Yes, Tenney School Live is an accredited school that provides high-quality education to students in a virtual learning environment. The school is accredited by Cognia.
This accreditation ensures that we meet rigorous academic standards when providing courses. With this accreditation, parents can be confident that their child will receive a reputable education and easily transfer credits to other schools. Being an accredited school also allows Tenney School Live to offer courses that count towards college credit, giving students an advantage in their future academic pursuits.
Looking for more information about our online school? Please fill out our form to schedule a meeting.
Yes. TSL delivers accredited coursework through The Tenney School and meets TEA-aligned academic standards.
Exact funding levels will be set in early 2026. Most families will receive around $11,000, which covers much of TSL’s tuition.
Students with IEPs may receive significantly more.
Yes—pending final rule confirmation—TEFA funds can be used for a range of eligible educational expenses.
No. TEFA is available only to Texas residents.
No. But you will need one completed to qualify for the higher special-education award amounts.
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) is a state program that provides eligible families up to $10,000 in annual education funding for private or online school options.
No. TEFA is a Texas-specific hybrid program. It works like an Education Savings Account but includes priority eligibility groups and funding tiers based on student needs.
Yes. Accredited online private schools, including Tenney School Live, meet TEFA eligibility requirements.
Most families will receive around $10,000 per year. Students with documented special needs may receive higher funding tiers.
Their funding may return to the pool and be reassigned, creating a second wave of TEFA awards. Online schools like Tenney School Live can often accept mid-year placements.
