How do I explain to my parents that my school isn’t what they think it is?
I’ll keep this brief because I’m really stressed and have a lot of work to get through. Last year, for 9th grade, my parents decided to send me to a private school because my previous school wasn’t meeting my needs. They heard about this school from people at church, and it’s considered one of the top schools like St. John’s, DeMatha, Good Counsel, Gonzaga, and Georgetown Prep. Currently, I’m enrolled at one of those schools.
My parents believe I’m at an elite institution filled with students who study hard and behave well. The reality, however, is quite different. Many students have a carefree attitude, and the teachers seem indifferent unless it’s about discipline issues. It’s not unusual to hear students disrespectfully talking back to teachers. Honestly, it’s a bit amusing at times. While many claim the workload is light, I ended the last quarter with a 1.6 GPA and I’m not enjoying my time here at all. The only highlight is the sports programs.
My parents have conversations with their friends about this great school as if it’s comparable to Harvard, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If my parents happen to come across this post, I hope it serves as an eye-opener for them.
It sounds like you’re feeling really frustrated and overwhelmed by your situation at school, and I can understand why you’d want to set the record straight with your parents. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation:
Choose the Right Time: Find a moment when your parents are not stressed or busy to talk. This way, they’ll be more receptive to what you’re saying.
Be Honest and Respectful: Start the conversation by expressing that you appreciate their intention in sending you to a private school, but you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to share your experience.
Share Your Experience: Explain what school is really like for you. You could say something like, “I know you think I’m at an elite school, but it’s not what you expect. The environment is different, and I’m struggling with the workload and the culture here. It’s important for me to be honest about how I feel.”
Discuss Your Concerns: Talk about your academic performance and how you feel about the support you’re receiving. If there are specific issues, mention them — whether it’s the lack of support from teachers or the behavior of other students.
Seek Their Support: Let them know what kind of support you need, whether it’s academic help, a different school environment, or just someone to talk to.
Prepare for Their Reaction: They may be surprised or defensive at first, so be patient and ready to listen to their perspective as well.
Remember, your well-being and education are what matter most. Open communication can help your parents understand your situation better and hopefully lead to the support you need. Good luck!