I’ve been an educator in Idaho for more than two decades, and I’ve seen a lot of change. The tools have evolved, classrooms look different, and for many Idaho families, school doesn’t happen in a building at all. But one thing hasn’t changed: Students who thrive are almost always the ones whose families help them prepare.

Whether your child walks through the doors of a traditional school or logs into a virtual classroom, the habits they establish in the first few weeks set the tone for everything that follows. With school just around the corner, here are four things I recommend every family focus on right now.

Sleep comes first — and one good night isn’t enough.

Most kids have shifted their sleep schedule by one to two hours over the summer. Start moving bedtime earlier by 15 to 20 minutes every few days — now, not the night before school starts.

Here’s something that surprises many parents: Sleeping well only the night before an exam has little impact on performance. Research published in npj Science of Learning found that sleep quality, duration, and consistency over days and weeks drive academic performance. Encourage your kids to go to bed at the same time every night. That habit, sustained throughout the year, is one of the most effective things a family can do.

Breakfast isn’t optional.

Students who skip breakfast are asking their brains to perform without fuel. Students who eat breakfast have better concentration, memory, and energy throughout the school day. Skip the sugary cereals — aim for protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Three easy options: eggs and whole grain toast, Greek yogurt with fruit and granola, or oatmeal with nut butter and a banana. For virtual learners, easy kitchen access can be an advantage or a trap. Build eating into the schedule rather than grazing all day.

Preparing five minutes the night before prevents most morning chaos.

Before bed, take five minutes to make sure your student’s backpack is packed, an outfit is chosen, and lunch is made. For students in traditional schools, this alone eliminates most morning scrambling. For virtual learners, make sure your student’s learning station is set up, the laptop is charged, and the internet connection is working before you go to sleep — not while they’re trying to log on for their first class.

Consistency is the foundation.

The first few weeks set the tone for the year. Students who come in rested, fed, and organized — in a classroom or at a kitchen table — build momentum that carries all year.

That means keeping bedtime consistent, making sure there’s a healthy breakfast on the table each morning, taking five minutes to prepare together the night before, and limiting social media use to reduce distractions, whether they’re in a classroom or learning from home.

Your involvement as a parent is one of the most powerful factors in your student’s success. It doesn’t require a lot of time. It just requires consistency.

School is almost here. Start tonight.

Kelly Edginton is executive director of the Idaho Virtual Academy, a tuition-free online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 across Idaho.