The start of a new school year is an exciting time at Everest Academy! New teachers, new classmates, new opportunities, and a fresh year of learning are just around the corner. Whether your child is entering preschool or beginning eighth grade, a little preparation at home can make the transition smoother and more positive for the entire family.
Here are a few ways to help your child—and yourself—get ready for a successful year at Everest.
1. Start Getting Back Into a Routine
Summer schedules tend to be relaxed, but school days require a little more structure. A week or two before school begins, gradually move bedtime and wake-up times closer to the school schedule.
For our youngest students, practice getting dressed, putting on shoes, brushing teeth, and packing a backpack independently. Older students can begin taking responsibility for organizing their supplies, checking their schedules, and preparing for the day ahead.
A predictable morning routine can make the first few weeks much easier.
2. Talk About the Year Ahead
Take some time to talk positively about returning to school. Ask your child what they are excited about, what they are looking forward to, and whether they have any concerns.
For a preschooler, it might be as simple as talking about meeting a teacher and making new friends. For an eighth grader, the conversation may include leadership, high school preparation, academics, athletics, and making the most of their final year at Everest.
Remind your child that it is perfectly normal to feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
3. Get Organized
Before the first day, make sure school supplies, uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and other necessities are ready to go. Have your child help with the process. When students participate in preparing their own belongings, they begin taking ownership of the school year.
And don’t forget to review the Everest Academy Back-to-School information for important dates, expectations, and reminders.
4. Reconnect With Reading and Learning
Summer should absolutely include fun and relaxation, but it is also helpful to gently get those academic muscles moving again.
Read together. Visit the library. Practice math facts. Play educational games. Ask your child questions about what they see and experience.
The goal isn’t to turn summer into school. It’s simply to remind children that learning can happen anywhere!
5. Prepare Their Hearts, Not Just Their Backpacks
At Everest Academy, we know that preparing for school is about more than academics. We want our students to grow intellectually, spiritually, humanly, and apostolically.
As the new school year approaches, encourage your child to think about the kind of person they want to be this year.
Ask questions such as:
- How can I be a better friend?
- Who might need my help?
- What virtue do I want to work on?
- How can I grow closer to Jesus?
- How can I use my gifts to serve others?
Consider beginning the school year with a family prayer asking God to bless your child’s teachers, classmates, and the year ahead.
6. Help Your Child Set One Goal
Rather than overwhelming your child with a long list of resolutions, choose one meaningful goal.
For a younger student, it might be: “I will remember to put my things away.”
For an older student: “I will turn in every assignment on time.”
Or perhaps the goal is something spiritual: “I will make time for prayer each day.”
One small goal can become a meaningful habit over time.
7. Remember That Every Child Is Starting Something New
Even returning students are entering a new chapter. They may have a new teacher, new classroom, new responsibilities, or new expectations.
For our eighth graders, this is a particularly important year. Encourage them to embrace their role as leaders and examples for our younger students and to make the most of their final year as Everest Eagles.
And for our newest preschool and kindergarten students, remember that starting school is a BIG milestone! Give them plenty of encouragement, reassurance, and excitement about their new adventure.
8. Stay Connected With Everest
One of the best ways to begin the year prepared is to stay informed. Be sure your family is connected to the Everest Academy app and regularly checks school communications, newsletters, calendars, and announcements.
School and family are partners in a child’s education, and communication is an important part of that partnership.
A New Year, A Fresh Start
A new school year is more than a new grade level. It is a new opportunity to learn, grow, serve, make friends, strengthen our faith, and become the person God is calling each child to be.
So, get the backpacks ready, find those uniforms, adjust those bedtimes, say a few extra prayers, and get ready, Everest families!
The 2026–2027 school year is almost here—and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Everest Academy!