By the end of eighth grade, students are usually comfortable in middle school even if they were intimidated at first. But a new challenge is on the horizon—high school. To prepare your child, encourage her to:
- Visit the new school. There may be a special day for incoming students to walk around the building. If no, ask if you can schedule a tour.
- Talk with students. Have your child ask for information and tips. She might start with, “What do you wish you’d known before you started high school?
- Meet with a high school counselor. It may help you child to know what kind of schedule to expect. For example, how many classes are included in a typical day? Which ones do most freshmen take? Are students allowed to choose their classes?
- Continue learning over the summer. Encourage your child to review math and science, write about summer experiences, and read at least one novel recommended for high schoolers.
- Go online. Many high schools have Internet sites with lots of helpful information. Have her check out everything from school rules to cafeteria food to after-school activities.
http://www.kidsource.com/education/middlehigh.html
Source: Nancy B. Mizelle, “Helping Middle School Students Make the Transition Into High School,†Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), reprinted on Kidsource OnLine. Reprinted with permission from (c) 2007 The Parent Institute, a division of N