Starting high school is a significant milestone for every child. New teachers, new subjects, greater independence and increased academic expectations can make the transition both exciting and challenging.
For children with dyslexia, this change often brings additional concerns. Parents may wonder whether their child will be able to keep up with the increased reading and writing demands, or whether the support they received in primary school will continue.
The good news is that with early planning, appropriate support and continued literacy intervention where needed, students with dyslexia can thrive in high school.
Why High School Can Feel More Challenging
As children move into secondary school, literacy demands increase dramatically.
Students are expected to:
- read longer and more complex texts
- learn subject-specific vocabulary
- take notes while listening
- write extended responses and assignments
- complete assessments across multiple subjects
- manage their own organisation and homework.
Even students who have made excellent progress in primary school may find these new expectations challenging, particularly if reading and spelling are still effortful.
This doesn't mean they aren't capable, it simply means they may need the right strategies and supports to demonstrate what they know.
Build Strong Literacy Foundations Before High School
One of the best ways to prepare for high school is to continue strengthening your child's literacy skills during the later years of primary school.
Developing greater confidence in areas such as:
- decoding
- reading fluency
- spelling
- vocabulary
- reading comprehension
- written expression
can make it much easier to cope with the increased workload of secondary school.
Evidence-based literacy therapy can continue to build these skills while helping children become more independent learners.
Encourage Independence
High school requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning.
Parents can begin preparing their child by gradually encouraging independence at home.
This might include:
- using a diary or planner
- organising school materials
- breaking larger tasks into smaller steps
- packing their own school bag
- managing homework routines.
These organisational skills are just as important as literacy skills and can help reduce stress once high school begins.
Talk to the School Before the Year Starts
If your child has dyslexia or ongoing literacy difficulties, it's helpful to communicate with the high school before they begin.
Sharing information about your child's strengths, challenges and successful support strategies helps teachers understand how best to support them from the start.
You may wish to provide:
- previous assessment reports
- therapy reports
- information about effective classroom adjustments
- recommendations from your speech pathologist or other professionals.
Establishing communication early creates a collaborative approach between home and school.
Understand What Supports May Be Available
Many high schools offer adjustments that help students with dyslexia access learning more effectively.
Depending on your child's needs, these may include:
- additional time for assessments
- access to assistive technology
- reduced copying from the board
- digital versions of learning materials
- explicit written instructions
- classroom accommodations during assessments.
The specific supports available vary between schools, so it's worth discussing your child's needs before they start.
Continue Reading for Enjoyment
As children get older, it's easy for reading to become associated only with schoolwork.
Continuing to encourage reading for pleasure helps maintain reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension while building confidence.
If independent reading remains difficult, remember that reading doesn't always have to involve a printed novel.
Audiobooks, graphic novels, decodable texts (where appropriate) and shared reading all support literacy development while allowing children to enjoy stories that match their interests and age.
Consider Ongoing Literacy Therapy
Some children complete therapy before high school, while others continue to benefit from ongoing support during the transition.
As literacy demands increase, therapy goals often shift from learning foundational reading skills to developing higher-level skills such as:
- reading comprehension
- subject-specific vocabulary
- written expression
- study strategies
- spelling for academic writing
- planning and organising written assignments.
Ongoing therapy can also provide children with strategies to manage increasing academic demands while maintaining confidence.
Support Confidence as Much as Literacy
Children with dyslexia often work harder than their peers to achieve the same outcomes.
Over time, this can affect confidence, motivation and willingness to participate in classroom activities.
Parents can make a significant difference by recognising effort as well as achievement.
Celebrate progress, encourage your child's strengths and remind them that dyslexia does not define their intelligence or potential.
Many successful adults, including scientists, entrepreneurs, authors and athletes, have dyslexia. With the right support, students with dyslexia can achieve their academic goals and pursue a wide range of career pathways.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
The move to high school is a big step, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Preparing early, strengthening literacy skills, building independence and working closely with your child's school can help make the transition smoother and more successful.
Every child follows their own path, and with the right support, students with dyslexia can develop the skills, resilience and confidence they need to flourish throughout secondary school and beyond.
If you’d like to chat more about how you can prepare your child with dyslexia for high school, contact me today!