The FAFSA Can Help You Pay for Your Education

As a school counselor, I want to help students believe in themselves and understand that they can continue their education. Students don’t recognize the endless possibilities and support out there. Many consider the FAFSA as just some technical tax paperwork when in reality, it can significantly reduce or completely eliminate your debt if you choose to pursue additional learning. Additionally, the FAFSA is not just for those seeking college or university - trade schools can also be funded through the FAFSA!

Continue Your Studies

It is a myth that higher education is out of reach or unaffordable for many folks. There are scholarships and grants available that can help to eliminate some or all of the costs.

The FAFSA is the first way to find out what kind of financing you might be eligible for. It opens each year on October 1st. Did you know that students and families who don’t have enough money to pay for college or trade school are frequently the ones who qualify for the most federal funding? That means you might be eligible for a full-ride scholarship!

Are you ready to find out what your future has in store for you? Learn more about the FAFSA at any of the following links:

• FAFSA Process video

• Ask Benji

• Arizona FAFSA Hotline 1-833-AZFAFSA (English) or 1-833-MiFAFSA (Spanish)

• The HEFAR Group

Completing the FAFSA

FAFSA Step 1 - Create your Account Username and Password (FSA ID) account.  

• Watch: How to Create an Account Username and Password (FSA ID) 

• Log onto: studentaid.gov

FAFSA Step 2 - Log onto: Fafsa.gov to complete your FAFSA.

• Free help is available at any time during the application process. Online help is available while you complete your application at fafsa.gov.

• You can also get free information and help from the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, or the U.S. Department of Education at StudentAid.gov or 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

If you need additional assistance, there are many resources to help you complete the form.  Remember, you should never have to pay for help!  Get started today!  You got this!!!

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Setting Up a Space for Online Learning

Whether you’re new to online learning, or you’ve been at it for ages, your learning space is an important component of your success as an online learner. Set yourself up for success by creating a peaceful space that helps you perform your best. Although some of your set-up will ultimately come down to personal preference, there are some universal keys to success.

Tips for Setting up Your Space

Dedicate a Spot for Studying

It can be nice to mix things up once in awhile, but it’s important to have a home-base to return to. If you’re constantly fighting for a clear space on the counter, this will be one more hurdle keeping you from your studies.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

If possible, study near a source of natural light. This kind of lighting is more likely to keep you awake and focused.

Stay Organized

Keep your study space organized, but also keep yourself organized internally, as well. Write down your to-do’s and keep a schedule of deadlines.

Break the Silence

While you may not want to study alongside the TV or other distractions, some ambient music has been shown to improve focus for some people. Try it out and see if you remember more and perform better on your tests!

Get a Study Buddy

Part of what made school more bearable was the social piece of it. With online school, you might miss that social break. Having a study buddy, even if it’s a pet or a plant, can make your space more welcoming.

Trick it Out

If you can, get yourself a comfortable chair and desk to study at. While this isn’t possible for everyone’s living situation, make sure your study posture won’t send you to the chiropractor!

A study space won’t be the difference between you graduating or not. If you want to graduate, you will make it happen, study space or not. But it’s always important to start a task with the right tools, and your study space is one of those important tools.

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50 Reasons Why Online School is Great

During the COVID19 pandemic, the majority of educational institutions (public, charter, and private schools) are closing their doors until we can ensure the safety of our children. Due to this, our children are falling behind in their studies. When a child is behind in their studies, there are only a handful of ways they can make up the time missed; after school program, summer school, online education, or be held back.

This article will highlight 50 reasons why you might want to consider enrolling your child into an online high school. Some of these reasons are serious, others light-hearted, but all are reasons why families love this way of learning.

Academic Reasons for Online High School or Middle School

• Students can learn at their own pace.

• They can study a wide variety of topics

• Student can dig deeper into a topic that interests them

• Learning can happen anytime, anywhere

• Student are able to discuss and explore thought and ideas without fear of ridicule

• When they are done with their course for the day, they’re done… not additional homework

• Students learn life skills - time manage, prioritizing, leadership, and more

• They can take as many breaks as they need

• Imagination is cultivated

• Work is real and done for mastery - not a grade

• Accommodation for different learning needs

• Student can learn in the ways they learn best

• Student learn to challenge assumptions and think for themselves

• Students are able to have their needs met - whatever they are

• Students are compared to other their age

• Things can be changed as needed tailoring to the specific individual 

• They won’t be left behind

• They won’t fall through the cracks

• They are able to work more effectively when the distraction of “school” is removed 

• Student teach ratio is extremely low

• Parents are able to enrich students strengths

• They are able to highlight areas of opportunity

• Ability to explore future career paths

• Average higher scores on standardized tests

Social and Emotional Reasons for Online High School or Middle School

• Less peer pressure to deal with 

• More playtime

• Varied opportunities from day today

• No bullying 

• Students grow to be independent thinkers

• Foster life long learning habits 

• Behavior problems are able to be dealt with quickly and consistently

• Students become empowered when their ideas are heard and validated 

• Stronger bond in the family

• Gives busy parents more chances to be influential in their kid’s lives 

• The lesson can be infused with family values and beliefs

• Allows parents to limit negative incidences on their children’s character

• Families can learn together - everywhere

Unexpected Reason to Online High Schools and Middle School

• Student are able to be healthier, eat better and exercise more

• Sick days can still be educational

• School can be outdoors

• Student are more confident

• Ability to travel during the off-season, which is great

• Student learn management skills

• Student are truly prepared for college

• Labels don’t matter, parents can meet the child where they are

Kids Reasons for Online High School or Middle School

• Their birthdays are holidays

• The student typically love listening to music while working

• Student don’t have to wait for others to get done before they can more more

• They don’t feel rushed when others are done and they aren’t

• Student can make their own schedule, learn at the time of day when they are most productive

Are you interested in learning more or better yet enroll your child into an online program? Contact Smart School today! Smart Schools is a fully accredited private school they specialize in online education. Experience our award-winning educational platform and see why parents and students love our online high school diploma program and online middle school.