Getting it Done

Time Management Tips for New High School Students

Starting high school can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when learning how to manage your time. With challenging classes, more demanding homework, new activities, and opportunities to connect with friends, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—there are plenty of strategies to help you stay on track!

Here are some helpful tips for navigating this transition at The Governor’s Academy:

1. Ask for Help!
Reach out to adults if you need help managing your assignments. Your teachers and advisors are here to support you and can offer extra help or tailored strategies for success. We also have an x-block, an additional thirty minutes each week, dedicated to providing extra assistance for our students.

2. Utilize Your Resources!
Your teachers are a great first step, but we have even more resources available at The Governor’s Academy. The Writing Center, Math Support, and Peer Tutors in the Learning Center are all here to help. The Director of the Learning Center can work with you to plan your assignments for the week, ensuring you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress. If you’re a boarding student, your proctors can answer your questions and share their experiences.

3. Learn to Plan Ahead!
Make the most of your free blocks and weekends by getting a head start on your assignments. Finding a little time during the day can lighten your evening workload. One effective strategy is the 1-2-3 Weekend Homework Plan: complete one assignment on Friday, tackle two on Saturday, and finish your remaining work on Sunday. This plan leaves Sunday free from panic about Monday’s deadlines. Boarding students have study hall built into their schedule with dedicated quiet time in the dormitories at night.

4. Strive for Balance!
One of the most important lessons to learn is to balance class work, clubs and hobbies, arts, and athletics while leaving time to have fun or relax! We want to ensure you have time with your family and friends, too. Don’t underestimate the importance of eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising to stay healthy and happy. Getting enough sleep is important; pulling an all-nighter the night before a test is never a good idea!

5. Learn What Works for You!
On our campus, you’ll find students studying all over! It’s common to see students working together in the library, at a picnic table outside, or in the dining room. Other students prefer to work alone in a silent, less distracting place and head to the library's quiet second floor; others learn that they’re most efficient sitting at their desks in their dorm room. Part of learning how to be a student is figuring out what works best for you!

As you begin your journey at The Governor’s Academy, whether as a day or boarding student, remember that building strong study habits and maintaining balance is key to a successful transition. Whether asking for help, utilizing the many resources available, or learning to plan ahead, these strategies will set you up for success inside and outside the classroom. High school is about more than academics—it's about discovering how to manage your time, pursue your passions, and care for your well-being. By embracing these lessons, you'll thrive academically and enjoy all the exciting opportunities this new chapter offers!

Author: Karen Gold P’11,’17, Academic Dean