Transitioning to High School

Different Types of School Transitions

Depending on where you live in BC, entering high school can look different: 

• Elementary school to high school: Some students attend elementary school from kindergarten to grade 6 or 7, then transition into high school. This can be a positive transition that provides students with more independence and responsibility as they transition into high school. High school students learn to navigate a larger school, follow a schedule, move between classrooms and take on additional responsibilities than what was expected of them in elementary school.

• Middle school to high school: Some students attend middle school prior to high school. Middle school can include ranges of grades from 6-9, but varies by where your school is located (this is your school district). Students who attend middle school may already have experience switching classes, following a schedule and having different teachers. This can help students prepare for their transition to high school.

What is a School Transition? 

Your school transition does not just happen on the first day of high school. Your high school transition can begin as early as your last year of elementary/middle school, over the summer and throughout your first year of high school. It is an ongoing process of adjusting to changes in school spaces, routines, expectations, and identity as you prepare for and move into a new school environment. Each person has different life experiences, relationships, gender or sexual identities, cultural backgrounds and environments which shape you and your unique transition into high school. When entering high school, you may want to stick to familiar friends and social circles, or you may be seeking new friends, acceptance or finding a new sense of identity. Everyone is going to want something a little different from their high school experience. The support that might be helpful to you may depend on what you are looking for. Focusing on your wellbeing and managing your stress can help make your transition to high school feel easier. 

Transitioning to high school can sometimes feel difficult since it can happen with other changes that come with growing up. You may also be getting used to a new school with different routines, expectations, relationships and responsibilities. Although entering high school can be a new beginning, an important reminder is that you have had new experiences before, such as the first day of elementary/middle school or joining a new activity or team. It is normal to have concerns when entering a new phase of your life and there are strategies you can use to manage these concerns. Here are some common concerns students might have when entering high school: 

1. Friendships/Belonging

Maintaining peer relationships: Some students may worry about staying close with friends who attend different high schools or adjusting as old friendships change. Messaging or reaching out to old friends can help you stay connected when attending different schools. Joining extra-curricular activities, clubs or studying together outside of school are positive ways to see your friends who attend different schools. It is also okay for friendships to change and for some to end as you grow and transition through different stages of your life.  

Forming new friendships: In high school, it is common for students to worry about making new friends, feeling accepted or finding a group where they feel comfortable being themselves. Feeling connected with your peers is an important step to developing a sense of belonging and may ease your transition to high school. For tips on forming new friendships, visit the Relationships topic on foundrybc.ca. 

2. Academics: 

High school will have added academic pressure. This may include a greater workload, understanding more complex material and keeping track of multiple courses. Along with these changes, students may also face academic expectations from peers, caregivers/parents, teachers or yourself based on future goals. For advice on studying or if you are falling behind in class, visit these resources on foundrybc.ca. 

3. Navigating a New School Environment: 

Students may worry about finding classrooms, getting to and from school, following a course schedule, using a locker or getting lost. Asking for directions from nearby students, teachers or staff members can help if you get lost or are having trouble navigating your school overall. Students usually adjust to their school environment as time goes on and their worries about navigation decrease throughout the first semester.

4. Adjusting to Different Teachers: 

Having several teachers instead of one may be new for some students. Teachers can be a great form of support when entering high school, so it is important to understand their expectations. Some teachers may seem hard to approach, but asking questions and getting to know their expectations can help make your transition smoother and build strong relationships with your teachers. 

5. Social Dynamics: 

Social dynamics are how you and your peers interact at school. Your previous school may have had different social dynamics that you are used to. When transitioning to high school, students may be unsure about navigating unfamiliar new social situations, such as new friendships or friend groups, bullying, popularity, vaping or peer pressure. Communicating with a trusted adult, older sibling, or a friend about your high school expectations can help you manage these social dynamics – it’s okay to ask for advice and support. 

Build Connection to Your Community

Settling into high school can take time. One way to make the transition feel easier is to find ways that help you feel connected. This can include meeting people at school, joining activities, learning about your school community and finding spaces where you feel supported. 

Your high school may also be in a different neighbourhood than your elementary or middle school. Building a sense of community around your school can help you feel more connected and understand where you are. This could include learning about local programs, community events and the land your school is on, including the Indigenous communities connected to that land. Building a sense of community at school can help you feel supported and comfortable. There are many ways to feel connected to your school community: 

• Attend an orientation: Attending your high school orientation and icebreaker events can help you become more comfortable in your school environment. Your orientation may be useful for adjusting to high school and meeting your peers.

• Join a club: Check out posts on school newsletters, bulletin boards, the school website or ask a teacher to learn about what’s available at your school. You can look to join something you’re interested in, or something new you’ve been wanting to explore. Joining a sports team, debate team, or school band is a great way to build teamwork skills, while also taking part in something you and your fellow peers are passionate about. If your school doesn’t have a club you are interested in, you could talk to a teacher to see how to start your own club. 

• Get involved in leadership initiatives: Joining student government, student council or taking leadership classes is a great way to build leadership skills, create change and contribute to a more positive school experience for yourself and your peers. 

• Take action: Initiating and advocating for community events around your school can create positive change and promote connectedness. Check out the Balancing Our Minds toolkit for ideas on how to start a mental health event, club or initiative. This toolkit also provides advice on inspiring change, creating safer spaces, and advocating for mental wellbeing change.

Keeping up with Schoolwork

High school life can sometimes feel demanding. Waking up early, going from class to class, and managing your social life, all while keeping up with your homework, can catch up to you. Here are a few tips to stay on top of your academics:

• Use available tools to help keep track of your assignments and schedule. This can include physical agendas/planners, to-do list apps, reminder apps or calendar apps such as Google Calendar.
• Studying with classmates, using a peer tutor or accessing other learning supports your school offers can develop positive study habits and help manage your schoolwork.
• If you are worried about a class, assignment or test, talking to a teacher can help. Start by talking to your teacher about your concerns. Be honest about how you are feeling, and highlight any concerns or challenges that are coming up for you.

Tips for Talking with Your Teachers 

It can be nerve-wracking talking to a teacher about concerns you may be having, especially if it is about something you are having trouble with. Know that teachers are there to help you in your journey at high school. Here are some tips for making it easier to talk to a teacher:

• Set aside a dedicated time to talk. If you want to talk with your teacher or counsellor, let them know what you’d like to talk about and ask when would be a good time to chat. Setting aside dedicated time shows you are serious and will also give you time to prepare what you want to say.
• Write down what you want to say. When we have something that is hard to talk about, we might forget or get nervous. Write down what you want to say and practice talking about how you are feeling, so you can better articulate your concerns.
• Listen and be open to their advice. A teacher or counsellor has a lot of experience in helping students with their classes and is there to help you. They want to see you do well and will offer you their best advice to improve your experience in class.

School will have its ups and downs. Although it’s important to do your best, remember that your worth is not defined by your grades. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by school or other things going on in your life, there are ways to get the support you need. When reaching out, it can help to share what you are excited about as well as what you are concerned about. Here are potential trusted adults or supports you can reach out to:

• Friends: Your friends can be a great source of support. You can tell them what is happening at school and how it makes you feel (for example, if you are struggling with a class). While your friends are important supports in your life, they are still figuring out a lot of these things too! For concerns that are tougher to manage, it may be most helpful to seek advice or identify solutions with a trusted adult with more experience. If you feel uncomfortable talking to an adult, ask a friend if they could talk to the teacher or trusted adult with you.
• Parent/caregiver or another trusted adult: The adults in your life are a great resource to talk to and work through challenges you are experiencing at school. They have life experience that can help you understand your feelings and suggest actions to improve the situation.
• Teacher or other school staff member: You may want to start by asking a trusted teacher or staff member you are comfortable with about what help is available for you. They may be able to help you or refer you to the right place.
• School Nurse (if available): Some schools have school nurses or health centres. Nurses are a great resource to talk about your health concerns, including anything related to mental health, sexual health or physical health. Check with a counsellor or teacher to see if you are able to connect with your school nurse.

• School Counsellor: Most schools have school counsellors who are trained to help you with challenges that come up. These challenges don’t have to be related to school. They could be arguments with friends or difficulties at home. Think of counsellors as a great source for support with whatever you are struggling with or need. You can ask them about keeping your conversations confidential. Some common things counsellors get asked include how to cope with anxiety about the future, how to do well in post-secondary, tips for getting your first job, or to learn more about a career path you are interested in. If in-person appointments aren’t available, see if your school counsellor is able to connect virtually.

There are also a number of other resources and services to support you that are free of charge and confidential. Check out our External Support Services page for more information about free support options for students ages 12-24, including Foundry Centres near you.