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Returning to finish high school is a brave decision—one that can change your future forever. At Smart Schools, we understand that the journey to earning your diploma can sometimes feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been out of school for a while, or maybe life has thrown obstacles in your way.
That’s why we’ve built academic advising directly into our program. We don’t expect you to do this alone. From the moment you enroll, you’re matched with an Academic Advisor who is committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
Your Academic Advisor is more than just a mentor — they are your guide, encourager, and advocate. With someone in your corner, you can unlock success and reach your long-time goal of graduating high school!
What Makes Academic Advising So Important?
When students come back to finish high school, many carry the weight of past struggles or barriers. It can be easy to feel like you’re starting behind everyone else or that the road ahead is too difficult; academic advising changes that.
We believe every student deserves someone who is dedicated to their success — someone who understands where they’ve been, listens to where they want to go, and helps them get there. That’s the role of our Academic Advisors.
Academic advising at Smart Schools is not an optional service; it’s a built-in feature of our program. Every student is paired with an Academic Advisor who provides the consistency, connection, and encouragement needed to thrive. Smart Schools students never have to “go it alone,” their Academic Advisor is there for them.
How the Academic Advising Process Works
When you enroll at Smart Schools, program managers immediately begin the process of matching you with an Academic Advisor. We take your preferences into account and make sure the match feels right for you.
Once you’re connected, you’ll meet with your Academic Advisor virtually to start building a relationship. Together, you’ll create your Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), which outlines your unique path to graduation. This plan serves as your roadmap, outlining exactly what needs to be done and breaking it down into manageable steps.
From there, your Academic Advisor continues to check in regularly by phone, text, or email. Regardless of the teachers or courses you’re working with, your Advisor remains the same. That consistency means they genuinely get to know you, your strengths, and your challenges.
What Academic Advisors Actually Do
Academic Advisors can assist you in a few different ways, depending on what you need most. They can be a guide, a friend, a confidant, or even a coach who cheers you on when the going gets tough. Their ultimate mission is to help you overcome barriers, build confidence, and get to graduation day.
Here’s what you can expect from an Academic Advisor at Smart Schools:
Connection – You won’t feel like just a number. Your Advisor checks in regularly to make sure you’re on track and to remind you that someone is always rooting for you.
Consistency – Teachers and classes may change, but your Advisor doesn’t. They’ll always be there as your steady support system.
Guidance – Advisors monitor your academic progress, help you problem-solve challenges, and share resources you may not know exist.
Encouragement – Sometimes, we all need someone to remind us that we can do hard things. Your Advisor is your biggest cheerleader, celebrating every milestone with you.
The Long-Term Impact of Academic Advising
Graduating from high school is the goal, but the impact of having an Academic Advisor goes far beyond your diploma. Through this one-on-one support, students often discover new confidence, stronger communication skills, and leave empowered to accomplish even more.
Advisors can also help you look ahead — to college, career opportunities, and life after graduation. They’ll talk with you about your goals, help you think through your options, and make sure you feel prepared for whatever comes next.
Academic advising not only helps you finish high school but also sets you up for success in the future.
Unlocking Your Success
At Smart Schools, we measure our success by the success of our students. Every time a student walks across the graduation stage, we know their Academic Advisor played an important role in helping them get there.
If you’ve been thinking about finishing high school but aren’t sure how you’ll make it work, know this: you won’t have to do it alone. With a Smart Schools Academic Advisor by your side, you’ll have someone who believes in you, supports you, and helps you unlock the future you’ve been dreaming of.
It’s never too late to go back. It’s never too late to start again. With an Academic Advisor cheering you on, your story can still lead to graduation day — and beyond.
How to Get Started
Ready to earn your high school diploma? Getting started is simple. Contact Smart Schools today to learn more about our free tutoring, academic advising, and flexible learning options. You can achieve your dreams and build a brighter future with the proper support.