The journey from middle to high school marks a significant milestone in a student’s education. It’s normal for teens making this transition to experience a range of emotions, from excitement and curiosity to nervousness and apprehension. After all, heading into a new environment comes with a host of challenges, including greater responsibility, increased academic pressure, new social dynamics and new routines and schedules. Understanding and addressing these hurdles can go a long way toward making this time easier and setting the stage for a successful high school experience. Read on to learn about common challenges rising freshmen face and expert tips for a smooth transition.
HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS NEW CHALLENGES
First-year high schoolers experience a combination of new academic and social pressures, according to Harold Abraham, Ed.D., educational leadership professor at Montclair State University and the chief school administrator of Lebanon Township Schools. High school requires a greater depth of study, more rigorous coursework and more homework. “Additionally, high school students are expected to exhibit greater independence and responsibility, managing their schedules, extracurricular activities and longterm academic goals such as college preparation,” Abraham says. Students also encounter a larger, more diverse peer group in high school—and with it, more complex social dynamics and peer pressure, says Abraham. “These changes require significant adaptation and can be stressful for students as they adjust to new expectations and environments,” he says.
MANAGING INCREASED ACADEMIC DEMANDS
“The goal is to hit the ground running,” says Laurie Kopp Weingarten, an independent education consultant and president of One-Stop College Counseling in Marlboro. She recommends that students and parents review their school’s student handbook and website before school starts to understand their schedule and course selections. Abraham emphasizes the importance of time management and organizational skills from the get-go. He recommends students schedule their homework, study sessions and extracurricular activities in a planner or digital calendar. “Prioritizing tasks and breaking larger assignments into manageable steps can enhance organization and reduce overwhelm,” he says. Students should stay as focused as possible when completing homework and take the time to understand it, Weingarten adds. “The goal is to learn and study while they tackle assignments,” she says.
DEALING WITH THE PRESSURE OF COLLEGE
In high school, things start to count for their college application, and students should sign up for honors classes their freshman year if appropriate (as in only if they’re ready), says Weingarten. But the goal is to “challenge, not overwhelm themselves,” she says, and while students should do their best, staying up all night to study isn’t a good idea. For optimal academic performance and mental health, teens must get eight to ten hours of sleep each night.
“To manage the pressure of maintaining a good GPA and performing well on standardized tests, setting realistic goals and choosing a balanced course load are essential,” says Abraham. Early and consistent test preparation can alleviate stress and improve performance, he says.
Weingarten emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy— students should connect with their teachers early on if they find themselves struggling in a subject. Teachers can offer guidelines on how to study more efficiently, and it may be possible to change their class schedule early in the year (before students find themselves underwater).
NAVIGATING CHANGING SOCIAL DYNAMICS
Rising freshmen may be apprehensive about making new friends, but Weingarten points out that starting a new school is an excellent opportunity to form new connections. She urges students to join clubs, try out for sports, and engage in activities that interest them. “Additionally, if a student realizes that their particular interest or hobby isn’t currently represented at their school, they can take the initiative to start a new club,” she says.
Of course, maintaining old friendships is also important, so Weingarten encourages students to stay connected with their middle school friends, too.
SUPPORTING YOUR TEEN THROUGH THE TRANSITION
No matter how prepared they are, transitioning from middle to high school is a big adjustment. “Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their children as they transition to high school by being empathetic,” says Abraham. He advises parents to establish open lines of communication with teachers, attend parent-teacher conferences, and review their child’s homework regularly. That way, they can stay informed about their child’s progress and any challenges they may face.
Make sure your child knows you’re there for them no matter what. “It’s always helpful if a parent makes it clear that they are ready to support their teen through difficult times, both academically and socially,” says Weingarten. She says that being available to listen when your teen wants to talk makes a positive difference.
Acclimating to a new school, schedule, rules, expectations, activities, and friends is tough, but there are lots of benefits, too. “Students are often pleasantly surprised to discover they have more freedom than they had in middle school,” Weingarten says. “They feel more grown up, which can be an exciting change!”
—Heidi Borst is a mother, writer and lifestyle coach based in Wilmington, NC.
