Since graduating from middle school, this year’s new 9th grade class is adapting to the challenges of high school, a difficult process for many students.

Some of the challenges the students must get used to are the increasing difficulty of class work, the amount of homework, the change on the grading system amongst other things.

“It’s a bit harder than middle school, but that is to be expected from every on going year,” David Palacios, 9th Grade Student, said.

Adapting to high school can be a challenge. The new daily routine can be overwhelming, especially for students who struggle with grades, lack responsibility, have disciplinary problems, or can’t get used to the new grading system.

“There are some that may struggle more with the academic demands, discipline or the change in the grading system,” Ana Isabel Garcia, High School Counselor, said.

Another problem which complicates getting used to high school is the negative ideas students bring with them. These ideas can harm the high school atmosphere as they depict the upperclassmen as something intimidating. These ideas originate as the freshmen may fear being bullied.

“Maybe they are intimidated because the older kids are much bigger,” Palacios said.

Adaptation is also influenced by stories the freshmen hear before entering. These stories create a negative idea of high school, as they are usually bad anecdotes about classes, teachers, or other topics.

“Stories I’ve heard of high school are exaggerated,” Palacios said.

The school is combating student fear by providing information about high school, even before they enter. The 9th grade class of 2021 entered school August 8, one day prior than other high school students. This was done in order to orient the freshmen by solving any doubts they could have.

“In general, they adapt well, because since middle school they are given some information on what high school is,” Garcia said.

The changes faced in 9th grade are more challenging than those found in middle school. However, after experiencing the first bimester of 9th grade, many 9th graders agree that 9th grade is not as hard as they thought it would be.

“It’s not that different from middle school,” Palacios said.

High school is harder than other grades as it’s the final step students take before they enter the real world. Students must see the important role high school plays as it teaches them many skills that will help them improve their future.

“In general they do well because they come in with a good attitude and wish to adapt well,” Garcia said.