Academic readiness
6 items
Reading at or near grade level
Can write organized paragraphs and essays
Has basic algebra skills (or working toward them)
Manages multiple assignments with different due dates
Knows how to study for tests independently
Can take notes during class
Organizational skills
5 items
Uses a planner, calendar, or app to track assignments
Organizes binders, folders, and backpack
Manages time to finish homework before due dates
Prioritizes tasks when there's a lot to do
Asks for help when confused (doesn't just give up)
Checklist 1 of 4
Is my student ready for high school?
continued
Social-emotional readiness
6 items
Can advocate for themselves with teachers
Navigates social situations appropriately
Has coping strategies for stress
Works independently without constant supervision
Takes responsibility for their mistakes
Sets goals and works toward them
High school planning completed
5 items
Researched high school options (DCPS, charter, application schools)
Attended high school fairs or open houses
Applied through My School DC lottery (if needed)
Discussed interests for academic pathways (AP, IB, CTE)
Met with middle school counselor about transition
Remember: You are an equal member of the IEP team. You have the right to disagree and request changes.
Before the meeting (1–2 weeks ahead)
7 items
Request a copy of draft IEP and any evaluation reports
Review current IEP goals — which were met? Which need work?
Write down your concerns and questions
Gather work samples, report cards, and outside evaluations
Prepare a list of your child's strengths and interests
Consider bringing an advocate or support person
Age 14+: discuss meeting with your child; invite them
Documents to bring
7 items
Recent report cards and progress reports
Outside evaluations (psychologist, therapist, doctor)
Work samples that show concerns or progress
Written list of questions and concerns
Notes about what works at home and what doesn't
Your Parent Rights document (request if needed)
Checklist 2 of 4
IEP meeting preparation
continued
Questions to ask at the meeting
8 items
What progress has my child made on current goals?
What data supports the proposed goals and services?
How will my child access the general education curriculum?
What accommodations will be provided in each class?
How often will I receive progress reports?
What happens if my child isn't making progress?
Age 14+: what are the transition planning goals?
What is the Least Restrictive Environment for my child?
After the meeting
6 items
Request a copy of the final signed IEP
Review IEP to make sure it reflects what was discussed
If you disagree: you have the right to NOT sign and request changes
Share relevant parts of IEP with your child
Follow up with teachers to ensure services are provided
Mark calendar for next annual review
Testing (complete by fall of senior year)
5 items
Register for and take the PSAT (October of junior year)
Register for the SAT or ACT (most take in spring of junior year)
Review scores and decide whether to retake
Request score reports be sent to colleges
Register for AP exams if required
Application materials
8 items
Create Common App, Coalition App, or college accounts
Request official transcript from school counselor
Write personal statement / main essay (start in summer)
Write supplemental essays for each college
Complete activities / extracurricular section
Request 2–3 recommendation letters (ask in spring of junior year)
Complete counselor forms and provide info
Pay application fees or request fee waivers
Checklist 3 of 4
College application checklist
continued
Financial aid (start October 1!)
6 items
Create FSA ID for student AND parent (fsaid.ed.gov)
Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov (opens October 1)
Complete CSS Profile if required by colleges
Apply for DC TAG at osse.dc.gov/dctag (opens February)
Research and apply for scholarships — start early
Apply through DC-CAP for additional support
Deadline tracking
5 items
List all application deadlines for each school
Note Early Decision / Action deadlines (Nov 1–15)
Track Regular Decision deadlines (Jan 1–15)
Set reminders 2 weeks before each deadline
Submit applications at least 3 days early
After submitting
7 items
Confirm applications received by each college
Send mid-year grades when available
Check email and portals regularly
Compare financial aid offers — look at NET cost
Visit admitted-student days
Commit to one school by May 1
Notify other schools of your decision
Before you begin (gather these documents)
7 items
Student's Social Security Number
Parent's Social Security Numbers
Driver's license numbers (if applicable)
Federal Tax Returns from prior year (student & parent)
W-2 forms and records of untaxed income
Bank statements and investment records
List of colleges student is applying to
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
7 items
Create FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov (student AND one parent)
Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov (opens October 1)
List all colleges on FAFSA (up to 10 at a time)
Sign electronically using FSA IDs
Submit as early as possible — some aid is first-come
Review Student Aid Report (SAR) for errors
Correct any mistakes promptly
Checklist 4 of 4
Don't leave money on the table
continued
DC TAG (DC Tuition Assistance Grant)
7 items
Confirm DC residency (12+ months before freshman year)
Confirm student is age 26 or younger
Complete FAFSA first (required)
Apply at osse.dc.gov/dctag (opens February 3)
Submit by deadline: August 15
Awards: up to $10,000/year at public universities
Awards: up to $2,500/year at private HBCUs and DC colleges
Scholarships (free money — don't skip this)
7 items
Search local DC scholarships (DC-CAP, community orgs)
Check with employer, union, or professional groups
Search online databases (Fastweb, Scholarships.com)
Apply to scholarships at colleges you're admitted to
Look for scholarships based on heritage, interests, field
Apply for MANY scholarships — small ones add up
Watch for scams — never pay for scholarship applications
Checklist 4 of 4
Don't leave money on the table
continued
After receiving aid offers
7 items
Compare NET cost (total minus all grants/scholarships)
Understand grants (free) vs. loans (must repay)
Contact financial aid offices with questions
Appeal if family circumstances have changed
Accept or decline aid by college deadlines
Complete entrance counseling for federal loans
Sign Master Promissory Note if taking loans
Need help?
DC-CAP202-783-7933
FAFSA help1-800-433-3243
OSSE DC TAG202-727-6436
Checklist 1 of 4 · 8th grade families