Every student takes something unique from their high school experience, and many eventually look back fondly on the years spent in the hallowed halls of their alma mater. High school might be the last step before learning a trade career or serve as four years of college preparation. Either way, it is important to get good grades.

Continually challenging oneself with coursework can help students get the most out of their academic careers. General level classes are often taken freshman year and honors classes sophomore year. Students may then decide to enroll in advanced placement or dual enrollment classes as an upperclassman. As students continue to push themselves and classes get harder, they may have to revise their approach in order to excel. These guidelines can help students continue to be successful.

· Establish a solid foundation. The first step towards success in any class is gaining a solid understanding of the basics, says Stemly Tutoring. If there are gaps in foundational knowledge, assignments and tests can be particularly difficult as the coursework becomes harder. Routinely reviewing previous material and ensuring that the fundamental concepts are mastered is essential.

· Practice active learning. Active learning involves engaging with the material in a way that goes beyond passively reading texts. Ideas include formulating questions, quizzing classmates, explaining the material to others as a teacher would, and writing down key words and topics so they are more likely to be remembered.

· Focus on time management. In high school, five or more classes run concurrently during the year. Assignments may have similar due dates, and tests and quizzes may come more frequently. Students will need to master an organizational system and time management strategy that works for them. Students can utilize a day planner as a useful organizational tool. Breaking down long-term assignments into smaller pieces that are easier to manage can also be useful. Smartphone notifications can alert to due dates.

· Seek help when needed. Students shouldn't hesitate to ask for help from peers, academic coaches, tutors, or their teachers. Study groups or partnerships with classmates also may be fruitful. Students should not wait until they are falling behind to seek help, as that can make it much more challenging to catch up.

· Study regularly. Reviewing material frequently and reinforcing knowledge is a smart strategy. Creating visual aids like diagrams or maps can help students understand a subject more fully. Again, this carries back to mastering the fundamentals. Looking back on previous lessons may help students with current ones.

· Don't forget to find balance and prioritize self-care. Academics are important, but so is mastering a balance between schoolwork and other activities. Without balance, a student may experience burnout, stress, and additional symptoms that can impede a students' ability to do well in school.

High school coursework gets more difficult as the years pass and students challenge themselves. Certain strategies can help students navigate increasingly challenging coursework.