Introduction [ En Español ]

Whether graduation seems light years away or alarmingly close, it’s never too early or too late, to think about making immediate and future plans which impact your education and your career. More than ever before, because there are and will continue to be incredible choices to make and paths to choose, planning ahead is a critical issue.

Enter Focus on your Future. This handbook was designed for you and your parents. This high school and post-secondary planning guide addresses the important concepts of high school graduation requirements, testing, exploration of post-secondary options, admissions requirements, financial planning and so much more. This handbook provides internet addresses, opening doors to unlimited sources of information. Above all, it will alert you to the issues that you and your family should be considering in order to make the best possible use of your time in high school and, simultaneously, plan for a smooth transition for those post-secondary years.

There are many people whose expertise and experience could be valuable to you. Your high school counselor, parents, older siblings, favorite teachers, youth directors and employers all will have significant contributions to offer as you make decisions about courses to take, experiences to have, and options to consider. Although the road will be yours to choose, there will be no shortage of information, resources, and help for you along the way…starting with Focus on your Future.

All of us in the Austin Independent School District and your high school campus staff wish you a year full of successes and interesting experiences, challenges and the confidence to face them, and new opportunities and the vision to take advantage of them.

Focus on Your Future 2008-2009