3 Ways to Help Your Incoming Freshman Transition from Public to Private School

The transition to high school is always a challenging discovery. However, for incoming freshmen who are making the transition from public school to private school, the journey can feel more overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your child adjust as smoothly as possible. 

1. Get Their Feedback

Having the distinction of a private school diploma on a college application can give your child an admissions boost. So, if you've decided to move your child from a public to a private school, you've made an excellent choice. Yet, it's still a good idea to get some feedback from your child. 

The reality is that private schools are not a monolithic group, meaning not ever private school will have the same focus or area of interest. For example, there are same-sex, language immersion, religious, and Montessori private schools. If you want your child to excel from their freshman year and beyond, enroll the child in a learning environment that meets their interests. 

2. Work on Organization

In a large public school, class sizes can exceed 30 students, but private school class sizes are generally considerably smaller. Smaller classes mean that the instructors have more time to focus on the success of each student. In a large class, a student might have been able to get by with not completing an assignment on time or not precisely following instructions, but in private school, there is more expected from the students.

When you combine the newness of an increased coursework load with high school and a more personalized learning environment, a child can feel overwhelmed. Talk to your child about being more organized now, so that they're up for the challenge.

3. Talk About Standards

All schools have standards, but private schools typically have higher standards and greater consequences when you don't abide by these guidelines. These guidelines are often more stringent for high school students, and the impact of being expelled from a school during these years can have long-standing consequences. 

Once you have a school selected, sit down and talk to your child about the schools' expectations concerning everything from dress code to behavior. The more your child understands these expectations, the more prepared they will be on day one. 

Each child is different, so some children will face the challenge with ease and others will struggle. Always keep the specific needs of your child in mind as you help them along this journey.  Reach out to private schools nearby for more tips to help your freshman teen feel more comfortable and confident.

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