K - 5th Grade
529 Savings Plan...
Saving for college starts now! If your child is bound for college, it will cost you. Tuition rates nationwide are rising much faster than inflation, and no one should rely on financial aid a student may qualify for in the future. By far, the best way to save for post-secondary education is a "College Savings Plan." These special savings accounts enable families to invest after-tax money toward college, in what are essentially mutual funds, to take advantage of better rates of return. Contributions up to $50,000 may be made to a student's 529 by parents, grandparents or others with no tax implications. Best of all, earnings are tax-free, as long as proceeds are used for higher-ed expenses. Hawaii's own 529 is sold by First Hawaiian Bank, but talk with your financial advisor about whether it makes sense to buy a plan from another state. Check out www.savingforcollege.com for a comparison of various plans.
Nurture Early Reading
If you were to distill the part of curriculum that most influences students' academic success, from grade school through college and beyond, the answer would be vocabulary. Reading is everything. As parents and teachers and tutors, we all need to focus on developing strong reading skills in children as early as possible. Spend time reading to your child each night. Have your child read to you. Turn off the TV and radio each evening for "family reading hour." If parents read for pleasure, so will their children. If parents stretch themselves to use the new vocabulary they learn, so will their children.
More tips for K-5:
Cultivate a joy for learning. School ought not be a chore.
Families should start learning about financing education: the financial aid process, the future costs of college and savings options. Parents or grandparents should consider starting a 529 College Savings Plan.
Students who are struggling in school should get help from tutors, family members or teachers.
Experience and explore many activities and talk about college as a necessary step after high school.
6th-8th Grade
9th-10th Grade
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12th Grade August-September
12th Grade October-December
12th Grade January-February
12th Grade March-April
