Are you the dad of a high schooler, or soon to be? Good news. These next few years can be a launchpad for your kid and a money saver for you.

Here are two smart paths worth knowing about, depending on where your teen is headed.

For the College-Bound Kid

If your kid’s got college in their sights, help them load up on Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

AP classes offer college-level coursework in high school, and most universities grant real college credit for students who earn qualifying scores on the exams.

Here’s why that matters: each AP exam costs about $100, and passing one can earn anywhere from 3 to 8 college credits depending on the subject and the university. That’s potentially thousands of dollars saved on tuition before they ever step foot on campus.

Some schools even help cover the cost of AP exams or offer incentives for students who take them. I’ve seen students graduate high school with a full year of college credit already banked. That’s one less year of tuition, one less year of dorm bills, and one more reason you don’t have to sell your fishing boat to help cover costs.

For the Hands-On or Career-Focused Kid

Not every kid wants to sit through four years of lectures and term papers. Some kids want to build, fix, or make noise with power tools, and that’s a good thing. If that sounds like your son or daughter, talk with their school counselor about Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

CTE offers real-world training for high-demand jobs while they’re still in high school. Students typically spend half their day in academic classes and the other half learning a trade. They can graduate with certifications or industry-recognized credentials that make them immediately employable — or give them a head start if they want to keep studying.

I’ve seen students walk straight into full-time jobs after high school, earning solid pay with zero college debt. That also means fewer “Dad, can I borrow twenty bucks for gas?” moments.

The Bottom Line

Whether your teen’s headed for college or the workforce, there are real opportunities in high school to help them get ahead and save you a small fortune in the process. Start the conversation. Ask about AP and CTE programs. Encourage them to take the next step.

That quick talk could set them up for success and keep them out of your basement after graduation. Sounds like a win-win.

About the Author

Written by a high school principal and dad who’s seen both sides of the system — the classroom and the kitchen table.