Bright banners filled the air, and colorful pamphlets were handed out at the HISD High School Fair on Nov. 4 as eighth graders from Pin Oak Middle School began their search for the right high school. With the application deadline looming on Feb. 12, 2025, students explored booths showcasing the variety of programs offered by HISD schools. It was a chance to talk directly with school representatives and pick up pamphlets filled with information about each program.

Mrs. Vining, Pin Oak’s magnet coordinator, emphasized the importance of the event in helping students prepare for their high school decisions.

“The most successful part of the high school fair was the fact that all 32 magnet high schools were able to come and introduce themselves to all the Pin Oak eighth graders—whether through a pamphlet or the magnet coordinator themselves,” Mrs. Vining said. The event provided critical information to help students make decisions about their future, including how to find the right school and ways to align their interests with available opportunities.

To fully benefit from events like the high school fair, Mrs. Vining encouraged students to focus on listening and engaging thoughtfully in conversations with school representatives.

“The most important life skill to develop before high school is the ability to actively listen in conversation. It can be difficult to interpret what someone is saying when the focus is on expressing your own thoughts,” Mrs. Vining said. By concentrating on what others are saying instead of planning a reply, students can build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and navigate high school conversations with greater confidence and respect.

With the application deadline fast approaching on Feb. 12, 2025, it is important to begin researching options. Students can visit the HISD district website, houstonisd.org/schoolchoice, which offers valuable resources to help them learn about the high schools and programs available. By taking the time to explore and reflect on their interests, students can be well-prepared to select the high school that best aligns with their goals.