February 3, 2025

High School Academic Planning: Choosing the Right Path for Success

With course planning deadlines approaching for many school districts—especially in the East and South Bay—it’s important for students and families to make informed decisions. The selections a student makes can impact academic growth, college readiness, and overall well-being. 

How to Approach Course Planning
Each year in high school presents different opportunities and challenges. Freshman year is a time to explore interests, while sophomore year introduces more advanced courses. By junior year, students can deepen their academic rigor with AP, honors, and dual enrollment options, and senior year should maintain momentum while preparing for the next step—college or career.

Understanding Course Rigor
While some students take multiple AP or honors courses, this path isn’t necessary for everyone. Colleges value students who challenge themselves but also maintain a balance with extracurriculars and personal interests. Mental health should always be a priority when deciding on course load.

Math and Subject Pathways
Most schools offer structured math, science, English, and world language pathways to guide students from introductory courses to advanced subjects. Some students may decide to accelerate through non-district courses offered online, which can help advance in subjects like math, but this should be used strategically.

AP, Dual Enrollment, and Concurrent Enrollment
  • AP courses are rigorous and can boost college applications, but taking too many may lead to burnout.
  • Dual enrollment allows students to take community college courses for both high school and college credit.
  • Concurrent enrollment is an option for students who want to explore subjects not available at their high school.

Final Takeaways
Students should carefully plan their courses, balancing rigor with personal interests and well-being. Always work with the school counseling team to navigate policies on AP credits, dual enrollment, and non-district courses.

Additional Resources:
(Note: These materials are from San Ramon Valley High School District - check with your home district/school for similar information)


By understanding their options, students can create a high school experience that supports both academic success and personal growth.

April 8, 2025
Why We Are Excited to Deliver Our Services to the Fremont Community We are thrilled to announce the opening of StrivePath’s sixth office in Fremont, a location driven by the demand from local parents who are seeking relief from the stress and noise often associated with college and academic planning. As Fremont is known for its high-pressure environment, our mission is clear: to create a balanced and student-centered approach that focuses on what truly matters—the student’s growth, happiness, and long-term success. At StrivePath, we believe that the journey to college is about much more than just the destination. It’s about who the student becomes along the way. We’re not here to focus solely on admissions to prestigious schools; instead, we aim to foster students’ personal growth, helping them discover their interests, build strong academic habits, and develop the confidence needed to thrive in whatever path they choose. StrivePath’s Student-Centered Approach Our Fremont office reflects this commitment to holistic, personalized guidance. We recognize the complexity of the high school-to-college transition and the increasing stress families feel in the face of competing priorities. By offering in-person support, we aim to alleviate that pressure and give families the clarity they need to make confident academic and career decisions. Meet Maiya, StrivePath’s Fremont Consultant We are excited to introduce Maiya, who will lead our Fremont office with expertise, compassion, and dedication to helping families navigate the college admissions process. A Silicon Valley native, Maiya brings a wealth of experience as both an academic and college counselor. She has worked in both boarding and public schools, gaining a deep understanding of the varied needs of students from all walks of life. Maiya’s approach is rooted in her extensive background, having attended 200+ college tours across the U.S. and Canada. She has a deep understanding of both domestic and international college admissions processes, having reviewed first-year applications for three UC campuses. Her exposure to different academic systems, including International Baccalaureate (IB), makes her uniquely qualified to guide families through a broad range of college options. With a BA in Sociology from Brandeis University, a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension, and a MA/MEd in School Counseling from Columbia University, Maiya brings both academic rigor and practical knowledge to her role. Above all, she is driven by a genuine desire to ensure families have the information they need to make the best college and career decisions for their students. “I’m passionate about supporting students and families in their educational journeys. StrivePath’s student-first philosophy truly resonates with me, and I’m excited to help families find peace and clarity during this important process,” Maiya shares. Why Families Choose StrivePath At StrivePath, we aim to reduce the stress that often accompanies academic and college planning. Our approach is designed to: Reduce Stress: We offer a supportive, student-focused environment where families feel heard and seen. Focus on What Matters: Our goal is to foster students’ self-awareness, identify their interests, and nurture their strengths—not just to secure a spot at a prestigious school. Bring Clarity: From academic planning to career exploration, we help families navigate each step of the process with confidence and ease. Through our in-person consultations, we bring local expertise, data-driven insights, and decades of experience to help families make thoughtful decisions and achieve better outcomes. Visit Us in Fremont Our Fremont office is now open and ready to serve the local community. If you’re a parent looking to reduce the stress of the college planning process and would like a more holistic, student-centered approach, we’d love to meet with you. Maiya and the StrivePath team are here to help guide you through this transformative journey. Let’s focus on what truly matters: building your student’s best self. Happier Students. Less Stressed Families. Better Admission Outcomes. Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.mystrivepath.com
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