Navigate high school and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
A practical roadmap for students and families, 8th grade through graduation, from Johnny M. Dueñas, a California high school counselor with more than 25 years of experience.
Holding the workbook or scanned the QR code on the back cover? Tap Workbook Resources. It’s your home base.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Start with the free 9th Grade Success Checklist
A short, practical planner to keep freshman year on track. Enter your email and I’ll send it to you. You’ll also hear from me when new tools and guides are ready.
- Month by month for freshman year, August through the summer after ninth grade.
- 7 pages, fillable on screen and printable.
- For students and families: ten minutes once a month, ticked off together.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.
After you sign up, check your email and click the confirmation link to get your download. You can unsubscribe at any time. See the Privacy Policy.
Explore by Topic
Topic guides are on the way. Join the list to hear first.
THE BOOK
Navigating High School
A Practical Guide for Students and Parents to Succeed Academically, Socially, and Emotionally
By Johnny M. Dueñas · Paperback and Kindle
This is the guide I wish every family had on day one. It walks through the whole high school journey: setting goals, building study habits, choosing courses, testing, college research and applications, financial aid, mental health, and the paths after graduation, including trade school, the military, and work. It’s written for students, with sections just for parents.
THE WORKBOOK
The Master Activity Workbook
Navigating High School Master Activity Workbook: The Complete High School Success System
Ten sections of hands-on activities, reflections, and planning tools for students in grades 9 to 12. Use it on your own, or work through it with a parent or counselor.
Digital edition: $29.99
Fillable on screen, instant download, and you can reprint pages as often as you need.
Print edition: $24.99 · coming soon
Already have the workbook? Visit Workbook Resources for free resources and updates.
THE PLAYBOOK
The 8th Grade PlayBook
Get Ready for High School
For grades 7 to 9 · Printable, fillable, and editable digital download
I put this PlayBook together for families who want a little more help getting ready for 9th grade. It has nine short modules, from credits and GPA to time, self-advocacy, mental health, and goals, with simple activities you can work through together over the summer.
Hi, I’m Johnny.
I’m Johnny M. Dueñas, and I’ve spent more than 25 years as a high school counselor in California public schools.
Before becoming a counselor, I worked in the juvenile division of the probation department and in the prison system. One thing that stood out to me was how many individuals lacked positive role models or someone to guide them toward a better path.
I came to believe that sometimes all it takes is one person to make a positive difference in someone’s life.
I wanted to be that one person.
So I went back to school, earned my master’s degree in counseling, and dedicated my career to helping young people recognize their potential and find their path.
That same belief inspired my book, Navigating High School, and this website. Whether you’re a student trying to stay on track, a parent looking for guidance, or a counselor or educator searching for practical resources, my goal is simple: to help you navigate high school with knowledge, confidence, and support.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
I work in California public schools. Views are my own and do not represent my school district.