6 Tips for Going Back to School in Prison
Going back to school in prison can be an opportunity to learn new skills, work toward a credential, and prepare for life after incarceration. Whether you are working toward a GED, taking college courses, completing career training, or pursuing another type of education, returning to school requires commitment and planning.
For someone who has been away from a classroom for years, going back to school in prison may also feel intimidating at first. You may need to rebuild your study habits, adjust to academic expectations, or figure out how to balance schoolwork with your other responsibilities. Fortunately, you do not have to approach the process all at once.
1. Find the Right Time to Study
One of the first steps is figuring out when you can consistently focus on your schoolwork. Your schedule may include work assignments, programs, appointments, meals, recreation, and other responsibilities, so finding a large block of uninterrupted time may not always be realistic.
Instead, look for times when you are most likely to have the concentration you need. Even a shorter, consistent study period can help you establish a routine.
Once you find a schedule that works, try to stick with it. Treating study time as a regular part of your day can make it easier to stay caught up with assignments and avoid having schoolwork pile up.
2. Set Specific Academic Goals
Going back to school in prison can be easier when you know what you are working toward. Rather than thinking only about completing an entire program, break your larger goal into smaller objectives.
For example, you might set a goal to complete a certain assignment by the end of the week, finish a chapter each day, or maintain a particular grade. Smaller goals give you something concrete to work toward and make long-term progress easier to see.
If your program has academic progress requirements, pay attention to them. The U.S. Department of Education explains that incarcerated students participating in eligible Prison Education Programs are still required to meet their school’s satisfactory academic progress policies.
3. Build a Support System
Going back to school in prison does not have to mean studying alone. If other incarcerated individuals around you are also interested in education, consider connecting with them. You may be able to encourage one another, discuss difficult material, or simply share the experience of working toward an educational goal.
Support can also come from outside the facility. Family members and friends may be able to help keep you accountable by asking about your classes, assignments, or progress. Sharing your goals with people you trust can give you another reason to stay committed when school becomes difficult.
Research on incarcerated students also emphasizes the importance of support in helping students persist in their education. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Prison Education Research examined the barriers formerly incarcerated students can face and the kinds of institutional support that can help them continue toward completing a degree.
4. Keep Basic Reference Materials Handy
Having reliable reference materials can make schoolwork easier, particularly when you are writing assignments or working with unfamiliar academic terminology.
A dictionary can be useful when you encounter words you do not recognize. A grammar reference can also help you review sentence structure, punctuation, and other fundamentals when completing written assignments.
Blackstone’s Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation is one resource that students can keep available as they work on their writing. A dependable reference book can be especially useful when you do not have immediate access to an instructor or online resources.
5. Make the Most of the Resources Available to You
Educational resources can look different from one correctional facility to another. Access to books, computers, educational programs, libraries, or other materials may be limited by institutional policies and schedules.
Instead of focusing on what you do not have access to, identify what is available to you and learn how to use those resources effectively. The Institute for Justice and Opportunity’s education guide for people in prison and those preparing for reentry includes information about different types of educational programs and resources that may be available.
Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your education both during incarceration and after release.
6. Give Yourself Credit for Progress
Education is a process, and going back to school in prison is a significant commitment. Give yourself credit for each step you complete, whether that means passing an exam, finishing a difficult assignment, completing a semester, or reaching the next stage of your program.
You do not have to finish everything at once. Focus on the work in front of you, maintain your routine, and continue building on the progress you have already made.
Going back to school in prison can be challenging, but it can also be a meaningful investment in your future. With a consistent study routine, a strong support system, useful reference materials, and a clear understanding of why you started, you can give yourself a stronger foundation for reaching your educational goals.
Written by Adam Wernham
