Transitioning from middle school to high school can be challenging, but many freshmen say the shift has helped them grow academically, socially and personally. With higher academic expectations, students say they’ve found stability through teachers, sports and the school community.  

For freshman Grayson Gordon, who previously attended public school, the change in academic demand was immediately noticeable.   

“The biggest difference was the culture and relationships between teachers and students,” Gordon said. “At public school, they just want you to pass a class, but here they are very helpful, and they try to put you in the right place.”  

Gordon said the transition felt intimidating at first, especially because he had never experienced such a heavy workload.   

“I was really scared and intimidated because I kept hearing how hard it was going to be, and that Greenhill was such a high-academic school,” Gordon said. 

Freshman Serena Lobel also admitted she felt overwhelmed in middle school after constantly hearing how difficult high school would be.   

“You hear so much about the workload and how hard high school is,” Lobel said.  

For many freshmen, high school has forced them to get out of their comfort zone and take more ownership of their learning.   

Freshman Liam Flanagan also quickly realized procrastination would no longer cut it.

 “You can’t get away with last minute studying anymore,” Flanagan said.  

Freshman Andrew Sharma said the workload was a big shift, but more freedom and time has helped him navigate through the immense workload.   

“I didn’t expect to have this much time with hornet blocks and snack breaks,” Sharma said.   

Flanagan also said the biggest change for him was gaining more independence and freedom. 

“The biggest difference is to be an advocate for yourself. Teachers aren’t going to tell you to come meet with me about this, it’s on you,” Flanagan said.  

Furthermore, Flanagan uses his free time to meet with teachers, which has been essential in helping him stay on track and keep up with the coursework.  

However, time management has also been a struggle for several students to adjust to new responsibilities. 

 “Getting out of practice at 6:00 and then I’m also in debate, then maintaining academics and social interactions has been the hardest part,” said Sharma.  

For freshman Aven Spence, organization was essential for his freshman transition.  

“Hunkering down on your academics at the beginning kind of dictates your finish,” Spence said 

For freshman Tamara Podolsky, what has helped her has been, “knowing how to use free periods wisely instead of being with your friends,” said Podolsky.   

After months of adapting, adjusting and finding their place in high school, freshman say they’ve gained perspective. They hope future students can start the year with fewer worries and more confidence. 

“Do what suits you best, not what suits your surroundings,” Podolsky said.