If you’re not already involved in social activities, talk to your parents about joining a club or sport team with your local public school. There are many bridge programs where you can be gradually introduced into classrooms. [3] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 24 July 2020. You can also see if there are grammar, science, or math workshops offered at nearby schools over the summer where you can get used to learning with large groups of other kids. [4] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 24 July 2020. Most homeschooled kids interact with lots of people within and outside of their age range. Have confidence in yourself and your social skills, and don’t buy into negative stereotypes.
Whether academic or religious in nature, the decision to homeschool can involve philosophical or religious beliefs. Not everyone shares those beliefs, so it’s helpful to work on discussing differing opinions respectfully, even when someone challenges your point of view.
Homeschooled or not, everyone gets butterflies in their stomach on the first day of high school. Stay positive, and remind yourself that you’ll adjust to your new school before you know it.
Whether you’re dealing with a bully or are stressed out about your schedule, it’s better to talk to someone than bottle up your feelings. That said, some issues aren’t easy to talk about with your parents. If you need to talk, reach out to a trusted adult, such as an aunt or uncle, teacher, or school guidance counselor. [9] X Research source
Transferring from homeschool to a traditional high school is sometimes complicated, so it’s wise to start the process at least a year before you plan on enrolling.
If you’re applying to a private high school, check with the school’s admissions department.
Your local jurisdiction’s vaccination standards may differ for traditional and homeschooled students. If so, you may also need to get additional vaccines and provide the school district or high school with verification from your doctor. [13] X Research source Registration typically runs prior to the start of the school year from late winter or early spring through summer. Depending on your location, your parents will either send the required documents to the school district or to your intended high school.
The test will help your new school properly place you at the right grade level. It’ll also help ensure your high school accepts your academic credit, which is especially important if you’re transferring as an upperclassman. Additionally, you may have trouble being placed in advanced courses without standardized test scores.
Your homeschool association can give your parents tips on formatting a transcript or report card and meeting your school district’s requirements. Dealing with logistical hurdles can be a lot to process, but you and your parents shouldn’t get overwhelmed or discouraged. Most of the time, homeschooled students perform at a higher grade level than traditional students.
Adjusting to a traditional school schedule will be easier if you give yourself plenty of time to make the transition. Your grades may suffer if you start school and suddenly have to wake up earlier or aren’t used to a traditional school schedule.
Learning how to budget time is important for all rising high schoolers. Honing your organizational skills is especially important if you’re used to a more fluid schedule. Additionally, if you’re not used to taking timed tests, your parent or tutor should include them in your curriculum in the year before you start high school. Work on checking the clock, budgeting time for each test section, and balancing efficiency and accuracy. [20] X Research source
After class, for instance, you could ask a teacher, “I’m having trouble with today’s physics lesson. Can I stop by your classroom after school some time this week for extra help?” While some teachers are more formal than others, remember that you should always address teachers and other school staff with respect. If, by chance, you feel like a teacher is treating you unfairly, get help from your parents or another trusted adult instead of speaking to the teacher rudely.
When it comes to delegating, ask if anyone has an interest or expertise in a given task. For tasks no one wants to do, suggest a fair solution, such as drawing straws. If you feel like the group is veering off topic, say, “We have a lot of good ideas here, but maybe we need more focus. Lets try to prioritize. What do you think are our strongest 2 or 3 ideas?”
