Transition to High School

Do you have any tips that will help my son have a smooth transition from middle school to high school? -- Bridging
Answer: This is definitely a critical transition period, because your son will be moving from a smaller school where he feels secure to a larger high school where the academic and social demands are definitely going to be harder and the risk of failing is much higher. Students who do not adjust often get poorer grades and might even decide to drop out of high school all together.
This transition frequently causes anxiety in students. In fact, every move between school levels can be difficult for students. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to ease the move from middle school to high school.
Start by having him renew his friendships with other middle-schoolers who are also entering high school with him. Just seeing a few familiar faces in the hallways and some classes will really make the move to high school easier.
Many high schools have orientation days for incoming freshman so that they can explore the hallways, open their lockers, know where all their classrooms will be and find the gym and lunchroom without too much trouble. It is vital that your son attend this event.
Encourage him to carefully read the high-school handbook so that he knows the rules that he will be following and will not have any unpleasant surprises. If he has any friends that attended high school last year, he should talk to them about things that worry him about this new experience. He also should ask them what the first day really was like for them and how to avoid problems.
If your son is participating in a fall sport or other fall activity such as band, it will help him become familiar with the school before the first day. It will also be an opportunity for him to see what a part of his high school life will be like.
One of the best ways to smooth the transition to high school is to encourage your son to participate in an activity, because it will help him make new friends quicker. It also will give him a niche where he will feel comfortable.
The transition will be smoother for you if you join the PTA and attend all parent meetings and back-to-school evenings. It will quickly make you feel comfortable with your son's new educational environment.