You may not remember it as a scary time. (Maybe it wasn't). In any case, don't expect your teenager to admit it; but heading to a new school is really scary. For young teens, the same old questions are still on top: "Where are the bathrooms? How do I find my way around? Where's the cafeteria? What can I get there? What happens if I'm late for school? Read more

Well California's looking better than some, and that doesn't happen often. Among the 50 United States, 25 require high school exit exams. Most of those have done so for years.

Because U.S. high school graduates lag so far behind those of other developed nations in language, math, and science, a movement has grown among the remaining 25 states to put exit exams in place. Standards vary. Read more

Probably the changes were inevitable. Maybe we'll learn to love them. In time. The first one comes at the college fair when the reps are casual about academics. You'll find them full of information about the food, the social life, the campus spirit. Although they won't talk much about books and learning, they may mention the availability of free tutoring....don't worry. Read more

Government for Kids

No more boring Civics classes. The YMCA of San Francisco kicks off a new program Tuesday September 12th at 6:30 called California Youth and Government. It gives teens a chance to learn about our complex government, and guarantees doing so will be FUN! Read more