ISO advice tips - working class mom with high achieving daughter and so-so son

Adding, as the kids make decisions about courses in 8th grade and high school, consider what colleges (top and not) expect.

Many want 4 years of math (highest level they can do), some years of a foreign language, the main 3 sciences Bio-Chem-Physics at least, an American History plus a World/Euopean history, good writing and literature, etc.