1
Make grades a habit, not a scramble.
Your GPA starts counting now for graduation, college, and scholarships. Build routines this semester that you can keep up through senior year.
9th Grade
Here's to new adventures.
Where To Begin
High school is real now, let's make it count. This is the year to build good habits for the next four years.
Your Journey Starts Here
2
Find your people.
Clubs, sports, CTE organizations — pick something. It rounds you out, and it's a lot more fun than figuring everything out on your own.
3
Get curious about cost.
You don't need a plan yet! Use Plan Smart to see what different lifestyles and careers actually cost. No pressure, just information.
YOU HAVE OPTIONS
Start Exploring What's Next
It's never too early to see what's out there after high school. You don't need to have a plan yet – you still have plenty of time to figure it out.
College & University
Explore 4-year, 2-year, and certificate programs.
Career & Technical Training
Discover hands-on training programs can get you certified and job-ready in months, not years.
Idaho Jobs
Idaho job seekers have options like full time, part time, remote work, and apprenticeships.
Service Based Learning
Learn, serve, and build experience with programs like AmeriCorps.
Military Service
Learn about military pathways, careers, education, and training.
Advanced Opportunities
Idaho sets aside $4,125 for every public school student in grades 7–12 to put toward college-level courses or technical certifications while still in high school. You don't have to use it yet, but it's worth knowing it exists.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Tools to Guide
Your Future
Explore resources for career exploration, education and training options, financial aid, and more.
Take a QuizCareer & Interest Quizzes
Help students discover what they're interested in, and what careers may be a good fit.
Take QuizPlan Smart
Get a better idea of what you'll need to make based on your personal financial goals.
Explore CareersBrowse Careers
See what real jobs pay and what training they require, before you commit to anything.
- Take a Quiz
Career & Interest Quizzes
Help students discover what they're interested in, and what careers may be a good fit.
- Take Quiz
Plan Smart
Get a better idea of what you'll need to make based on your personal financial goals.
- Explore Careers
Browse Careers
See what real jobs pay and what training they require, before you commit to anything.
FAQ's
My grades weren't great in 8th grade — does that matter now?
Nope. 9th grade is a clean slate for the GPA that actually counts toward graduation
and college.
Do I need to pick a career already?
Definitely not. Just start paying attention to the patterns in what you enjoy and what you
re good at.
What is that Advanced Opportunities money everyone talks about?
It's state funding that can cover dual-credit and CTE classes while you're in high
school. Ask your counselor how to use it.
Unanswered Questions?
We are here to assist you with your questions.
Next Steps Idaho