Need help setting goals for school or this semester? Looking for smart goals for students of all ages?
A new school year for many symbolizes a fresh start. A chance to try new things, meet new people, soak up new information, and achieve new term goals. Even a new semester is a chance to do your own personal best, and not just with academics.
This might be true for a senior hoping to get into their dream college, a freshman on their first day of high school, a parent helping their child navigate the social cues of middle school, or a parent wanting the best for their child in elementary school. From elementary school to high school, I’ll walk you through some great goals for school students and how to make them S.M.A.R.T.
S.M.A.R.T goals will take you from having a general idea of what you want to become laser-focused on it. In other words, it takes your goal from being, “I want to make better grades” to “I want to raise my GPA to a 3.94 by the end of Junior year by utilizing new study habits, completing my homework on time, and asking for extra credit assignments when possible.”
Goals for the school year aren’t all academic though. We’ll also practice setting goals that improve our social skills, physical health, and mental wellbeing.
S.M.A.R.T is an acronym that stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Result-Focused
- Time-Based
For us to give ourselves the best chance possible to achieve our goals, we’ll use the S.M.A.R.T acronym as our guiding force. Let’s dive into some goal examples for all age levels and by the end of this, you’ll be ready to adopt some of my goals and create your own, smartly.
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Goal #1: Make Better Grades
I bet as a student you’re feeling the need or desire to better your grades. Learning goals are the common goals many students set for themselves.
Elementary School Students:
A few examples of S.M.A.R.T academic goals for elementary school students are:
- By the end of elementary school, my child will be able to identify key ideas, characters, and settings in a story.
- By the end of kindergarten, my child will be able to identify their shapes, colors, and write their name.
Middle School Students:
Here are some great ideas of academic goals for middle school students:
- My child will develop strong study habits before entering high school by spending 1 hour before each test studying the material, creating flashcards, or utilizing study guides.
- My child will learn to participate in class by encouraging them to raise their hand and either ask a question or contribute to the lesson.
High School Students:
High School students typically have more pressure than in middle school or elementary school to maintain or improve their grades. You’re aiming to get into college and understand what your dream school requires to have a good shot with admissions.
Be inspired to achieve your knowledge-based goals with a few S.M.A.R.T ideas:
- I will find a study strategy that works for me by testing out different methods and comparing test scores to see which method is most effective for me.
- I will spend 30 minutes each Sunday night preparing myself for the week ahead, noting any assignments, tests, or projects I have that week that needs special attention.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Examples of Academic Goals for College
Goal #2: Make New Friends
While most people simply focus on educational goals for the school year, it’s also a great time to embrace or improve your social skills or those of your child by making new friends.
Elementary School Students
A few examples of S.M.A.R.T goals to develop new friendships are:
- We’ll host monthly sleepovers for new friends at school, giving the kids time to connect outside of the classroom.
Middle School Students
Middle school can be a daunting time for children as they’re going through a lot of changes physically and mentally. Strong, healthy friendships can work as great anchors in trying times.
A few great social goals for parents of middle school students are:
- I’ll help plan and will volunteer as a driver on monthly outings for my child and a few friends. From going to the movies, taking them ice skating, or dropping them off for a few hours at the mall, these monthly outings will give my child the time and space needed to develop strong friendships.
- I’ll encourage healthy relationships with their friends by showing them the art of negotiation and compromise.
High School Students
While high school can be great to foster long-lasting friendships, it’s an important time to learn the social skills necessary to meet new friends, break off relationships that aren’t healthy, and prioritize the ones that are.
Here are some S.M.A.R.T goals for high schools students wanting to make new friends:
- I’ll join a new afterschool sport or club to meet new people that I don’t typically socialize with.
- I’ll include someone new every time I make plans to spend time with a group of friends after school.
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Goal #3: Learn a New Skill or Hobby
A new school year is an equally great time to learn a new skill or fall in love with a new hobby.
Elementary School Students
A few S.M.A.R.T. goals for your elementary age child to learn a new skill or hobby are:
- I’ll introduce my child to a new sport every 3 months so they’re able to try a wide variety to see which one they enjoy.
- I’ll let my child develop their creativity by providing them with art materials they can freely create and get messy with.
Middle School Students
Use these S.M.A.R.T goals to encourage your child to develop new skills or try new hobbies:
- Each year of middle school, my child will sign up for a different elective (i.e. band, chorus, dance, art) that will teach them a new skill or introduce them to a potential new hobby.
High School Students
For high school students, developing new hobbies and skills is an important aspect of getting out of their comfort zone and making them into more well-rounded students.
Use these ideas to set S.M.A.R.T goals for yourself:
- I’ll continue to sign up for unique electives that my school offers, joining the after-school clubs for those electives I particularly enjoy to get myself out of my comfort zone and learn something new.
Goal #4: Take Full Advantage of Time Off School
This goal is a fun one that many children will be happy to take advantage of, so long as you, their parents, are on board and supportive. While academic goals are still highly important, non-academic goals are just as important in your child’s development.
Elementary School Students
A few S.M.A.R.T goals for elementary school students to take advantage of their time off school:
- We’ll spend our summers playing outside, having fun with friends and family, and not focused on studying or doing summer school work daily.
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Middle School Students
Two great goals for middle school students to enjoy their time off school are:
- In the summer, I’ll encourage my child to spend time with their friends at the neighborhood pool, relaxing and playing in the water.
- During the weekends, we’ll use that time to get out of the house and go on family outings to parks, zoos, and entertainment venues.
High School Students
High school students need their time off school to unwind from the pressure of school and develop themselves as well-rounded young adults.
Use these ideas to come up with some S.M.A.R.T goals to enjoy your time off school:
- I’ll use my time off school to get a part-time job that will give me extra spending money and teach me new responsibilities.
- I’ll go on a vacation with my family or friends each summer, giving me time to have fun, away from school stress and college worries.
Goal #5: Spend Quality Time With Friends & Family
While it’s easy to always focus on new friends, new skills, and new habits, setting goals that instead focus on maintaining and nurturing the relationships you or your child already have is key.
Elementary School Students
A few S.M.A.R.T goals that will help your child spend more time with their friends and family are:
- Set aside 30 minutes a day where your whole family is together, without screens or other distractions.
Middle School Students
It can get more and more difficult to get quality time with your family once your child hits middle school age. Here are some goal ideas to ensure you’re getting important quality time together:
- I’ll spend time with my child doing their favorite hobby. Whether that’s playing a sport, playing a video game, or doing an art project, I’ll do what my child loves with them.
- I’ll give my child time to chat with their friends without my interruption each night for 30 minutes before bed.
High School Students
Be sure you’re spending quality time with your friends and family by setting S.M.A.R.T goals, like:
- I’ll spend 1 day each weekend with my family, without distraction from friends, my phone, or video games.
- I’ll ensure I get quality time with my friends by spending the other day each weekend with them, going to each other’s houses, or meeting up somewhere fun (i.e. the mall, the movie theatre, an ice cream shop, etc.)
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Goal #6: Build Healthy Habits
Building healthy habits from a young age is something that will serve you or your child in the long run. Creating healthy habits now will give you a leg up as an adult when you’re already cognizant of what it takes to feel strong and healthy.
Elementary School Students
As a parent, it’s important to help your child build healthy habits. Use these S.M.A.R.T goals to get your started on the right foot:
- For an after-school snack, I’ll give my child fruit, veggies, or lean protein, getting them into the habit of craving healthy snacks.
Middle School Students
Goal inspiration for building healthy habits for life in your middle school students include:
- I’ll pack their lunch on a daily basis, ensuring I give them a balanced diet with healthy food they actually enjoy eating.
- I’ll sign my child up for a sport they’re interested in playing, getting them in the habit of exercising for fun.
High School Students
As a high school student, you have more control over what you eat, drink, and do in your free time. Be aware that you’re building healthy habits by setting these S.M.A.R.T goals:
- When I’m with my friends, we’ll play sports outside and get 30-minutes of exercise daily.
- When I go out with my friends, I’ll prioritize making healthy decisions in the food and drinks I order, avoiding fast food as much as possible.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 21 Healthy Habits For Students
Goal #7: Develop Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is an important part of self-growth that can come in a variety of packages.
Elementary School Students
S.M.A.R.T goals to help your child develop self-discipline include:
- I will create a simple daily structure for my child and help my child understand their expectations throughout the day so they can soon take over their routine without needing me to guide them through.
- I’ll focus on my own self-discipline so I’m modeling what good self-discipline looks like by washing the dishes after dinner and cleaning up nightly to start each day on a fresh page.
Middle School Students
For middle school students, self-discipline goals could look like:
- I’ll teach my child problem-solving skills to give them a chance to create solutions to their typical challenges. We’ll work together to understand why a certain solution could be a good one or not.
High School Students
As a high school student, it’s time for you to take control of improving your self-discipline by setting goals like these:
- I’ll do my homework nightly without needing my parents to remind me to do so.
- I’ll put away my phone at school and while I’m doing my homework so I can fully focus on my assignments without distractions.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Self-Discipline in Students
Goal #8: Find Your Support System
Knowing you have a support system in place is key to development. At any age, it’s important you know who you can talk openly with and who will support you when needed.
Elementary School Students
Here’s a S.M.A.R.T goal idea to help your elementary-age child find and use their support system:
- Ensure they have a family member that is always there to listen to and talk with your child. It should be in a safe space where nothing they say will later be used against them.
Middle School Students
Help your child develop a support system with this goal idea:
- I will listen to my child and provide respectful feedback, understanding their ideas and points of view. This will help them understand that no matter what happens, I will support them.
High School Students
As a high schooler, it might be beneficial to speak with a professional by setting goals, like:
- During my junior year of high school, I’ll begin speaking regularly with the college admissions counselor. This will help me take some of the stress of college off of my shoulders and have someone in my corner that can guide me into getting into the college I dream of.
Goal #9: Prioritize Alone Time
In most of these goals, we’ve focused on things done with friends, family, or at school. It’s equally important to develop goals that prioritize alone time to de-stress and relax without needing anyone else around.
Elementary School Students
Show your child it’s healthy to want alone time by setting the goals:
- I’ll give my child time each day to play alone in their room with their toys. I’ll encourage their creativity and imagination to play contently without needing outside influence.
Middle School Students
Middle school students can also benefit from alone time with S.M.A.R.T goals, like:
- I’ll get my child interested in reading by showing them a variety of genres until they find one that sticks. I’ll encourage them to read nightly to decompress and relax before going to sleep.
High School Students
For high school students, your idea of great S.M.A.R.T goals to prioritize your alone time might look more like this:
- I’ll give myself an hour a day “unplugged” without my phone, computer, or a device distracting me. I’ll use this time to relax, draw, write, play music, or read.
- I’ll take extra time to focus on my mental health. I’ll listen to my body and take cues as to when I need to slow down, take some alone time, or do something that relaxes me.
Goal #10: Get Involved In The School Community
Lastly, a great goal for all-age students is to get involved in the school community. In most cases, the school community is a child’s first time becoming part of something larger, outside of a family unit.
Elementary School Students
In elementary school, there are fewer options to getting involved, but regardless they’re still there. Here are some great ways to get your child involved in the school community:
- I’ll sign my child up for debate club, or another afterschool club, where the students represent their school by competing against other schools in the area.
Middle School Students
In middle school, becoming part of the school community starts to become more exciting, with your child developing their own likes, wants, and having the freedom to choose what they’re interested in.
A great S.M.A.R.T goal for middle school students is:
- I’ll help my child run for school student council, aiding them in their “campaign,” but only when asked.
High School Students
Lastly, high school students have the most options to become part of the school community. A few goals you can set for yourself in high school to become part of your school community are:
- I’ll try out for the school sport of my choosing and represent my school with pride.
- I’ll join an extracurricular club that allows me to compete on a city, state, or nationwide level.
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Set Goals for School Together
Now, with 10 school goals, you or your child will be ready to make this the best school year yet!
Don’t just set goals for your school-age child or students, but set goals with them. Including them in the goal-setting process will teach them how to take ownership of their futures.
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Now begin setting goals for school improvement this year. No matter your age (or your child/student’s grade), there are appropriate goals for academic, educational, or personal achievement.
Choose an area of your student’s life and set a good smart goal to match where they are, and where they aspire to be this school year.
Don’t do it on your own either, but together with that student, as a personal investment in the goal-setting process, also leads to investment in reaching it.
Wishing you a happy school year!
What goals for school will you set this year?
Last Updated on December 10, 2024
