Transitioning to Public School
I’m not totally sure this is the right subreddit for me, but I wanted to share that I’m transitioning from homeschooling to public school for my freshman year. This decision was made by my parents.
I struggle with severe social anxiety, which has escalated to panic attacks in crowded places. My parents believe this anxiety stems from being homeschooled, and they feel it’s important for me to gain more social interaction. The panic attacks really intensified towards the end of 7th grade, and they decided to wait until high school to make this change, so I would have a fresh start like the other incoming freshmen. While I appreciate that it will be less disruptive than changing schools mid-way through middle school, I’m still anxious about being perceived as the “weird homeschooled kid.” Plus, I don’t have any friends from public school yet, so I worry about isolating myself and feeding into that stereotype.
The school my parents want me to attend is hosting an open house in two days, and my anxiety levels have skyrocketed since they told me. I knew this transition was coming, but it didn’t feel real until now, and I’m honestly terrified. My only understanding of high school comes from movies (and everyone keeps telling me “it’s NOT like the movies”). Just thinking about being around other teens daily feels overwhelming, and the idea of being around students who are up to four years older than me is pretty intimidating.
I apologize for rambling! (I have a tendency to go on and on). For those of you who have experience with public school, could you share any tips or insights? I’d love to hear about what your school is like as well. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
First of all, I want to acknowledge how you’re feeling—it’s perfectly normal to be anxious about such a big change. Transitioning from homeschooling to public school can be a challenging experience, especially with the added layer of social anxiety.
Here are some tips that might help you navigate this transition:
Visit Before School Starts: If you haven’t already, try to go to the open house and explore the school. Familiarize yourself with the layout, find your classrooms, and take a look at the cafeteria. The more you know about the environment, the less overwhelming it will feel when school begins.
Connect with Classmates: If you can, try to connect with a few incoming freshmen before school starts, whether through social media or school clubs. Making even one friend can make the transition feel a lot less daunting.
Join Clubs or Activities: Getting involved in clubs or sports can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. It can provide a structured way to socialize and build connections in a more relaxed environment.
Talk to a Teacher or Counselor: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a guidance counselor or teacher about your anxiety. They’re there to help you, and they can provide support and resources specifically for students who feel overwhelmed.
Practice Self-Care: It’s important to take care of your mental health, especially during times of stress. Find activities that help you relax, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time in nature.
Breathe and Take It Slow: It’s okay to take things one step at a time. Start by setting small goals for yourself, like talking to one new person each day or sitting somewhere different during lunch.
Know that It’s Okay to Be Different: Many students feel out of place when they start high school; it’s not just you. Many of your classmates may also be nervous or unsure, and they might appreciate an opportunity to connect over that shared experience.
Remember, high school is just one chapter in your life, and it’s totally okay to feel overwhelmed. There’s a whole community of support out there, so don’t hesitate to reach out to others—both online and in your new school. You’ve got this, and things might turn out to be better than you expect! Good luck!