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6 habits to set students up for success

6 habits to set students up for success

by Shannon Dufresne
 

The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind as new classes settle into a rhythm, activities get underway, and students start to understand teacher expectations.

Next comes the important step: building habits that help students feel confident and open to growth as the school year unfolds. Success in school is about more than grades. A strong sense of belonging matters, too.

Research from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), a leading organization for independent school education, identifies belonging as a fundamental human need closely connected to well-being. When students feel accepted, respected, and valued within their school community, they are more likely to engage in learning, feel safe, and persevere through challenges.

A sense of belonging doesn't happen overnight. It develops through the relationships students form and the choices they make each day. Here are six habits students can put into practice now.

1. Find a routine that works

By late September, students have a better sense of what their days actually require. Now is a good time to look at what's working and what isn't.

Consistent routines for sleep, homework, meals, activities, and downtime can provide structure as the year picks up. But routines don't have to be rigid. A student who regularly finishes homework too late, rushes in the morning, or forgets what she needs may simply need to adjust her approach.

The goal is a routine she can sustain.

2. Connect with trusted adults

Students shouldn't have to navigate school alone.

NAIS recommends relationship-centered teaching, including consistent check-ins, active listening, and intentional opportunities for students and teachers to build authentic connections. The research also emphasizes helping students form connections with classmates early in the year.

At Ursuline, advisors, classroom teachers, counselors, coaches, Campus Ministry, and other faculty and staff give students multiple adults they can turn to with a question, for help, or simply when they need someone to listen.

Encourage your daughter to identify those people before she needs them.

3. Practice healthy independence

As students grow, parents naturally want to remain connected while also giving them room to manage increasing responsibilities.

A forgotten assignment or difficult conversation can become an opportunity to practice problem-solving and self-advocacy. Instead of stepping in immediately, parents can help students think through what to do next.

Sometimes support begins with a simple question: "What do you think you should do next?"

4. Find your place beyond the classroom

Some of the strongest school connections develop around shared interests.

NAIS identifies participation as an important part of student engagement and belonging. Opportunities to participate and help shape their environment signal to students that they are valued members of the community.

Athletics, clubs, the arts, Campus Ministry, service, and student leadership give Ursuline students many ways to explore their interests, meet people, and find their place.

They don't need to do everything. Meaningful involvement matters more than a packed schedule.

5. Set goals you can act on

The beginning of a new school year is a natural time for students to think about what they want to work toward.

Instead of focusing solely on outcomes such as grades, encourage students to set goals they can directly influence. That might mean participating more often in class, developing better study habits, trying a new activity, or asking for help sooner.

Small, achievable goals build confidence and momentum.

6. Focus on progress, not perfection

Students don't need a perfect start to have a strong school year.

A disappointing grade or missed opportunity doesn't define the year. What matters is what students do next.

A strong school year isn't necessarily perfect. It's one in which students develop the confidence, habits, and relationships they need to keep moving forward. At Ursuline, every student has a place here and the support to grow and thrive.

Join the conversation 

What do you hope students gain most from this school year? Tell us what matters to you. Share your voice →

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