Although the transition from middle school to high school can be a difficult one, there are ways to make the process easier.

Many ninth graders find high school to be a challenging time. According to freshman counselor Angela Dolan, the most common difficulty freshman have is the stress and pressure that comes with entering high school. An increased workload, higher academic expectations and and different social situations play key roles in contributing to stress.

The Freshman Class at the Academy receives an influx of new students yearly and the luxury of having familiar friends and teachers is not always available for incoming freshmen. An abundance of new faces and larger class sizes can be overwhelming for some students.

In junior high, since many students are accustomed to having a small group of good friends and only a few teachers, high school often causes a sense of uncertainty. However, this challenge can be easily tackled by getting involved in school activities.

“I see freshman year as a time of experimenting and getting to know yourself. Take the time to try new sports, meet new people and get involved in clubs. Even if things don’t work out, you meet new people and learn more about yourself,” said Dolan.

Because ninth grade is when grades begin to appear on college transcripts, Junior High counselor Joyce Hall adds that academic expectations also play a large role in contributing to stress. Students who plan for high school early on set themselves up for academic success.

“Students can start preparing for high school from the time they are in junior high. They can develop good study habits, learn stress management, consistently use a planner and stay organized,” said Hall.

Freshman year can be a new and exciting experience for students. Being academically prepared and open to trying new things and meeting new people increase the chances of success in a student’s first year of high school.