Private School 101: A Chill Guide to Surviving and Thriving

Private School 101: A Chill Guide to Surviving and Thriving

You and I both know that your kid is not going to read this article unless you send her the link. So, please do that after you have those initial conversations about going to private school. Of course, it's an easier conversation to have if her older siblings have gone to the same school she's going to. But still, don't assume anything. Be proactive in addressing her concerns. After all, you want her to be happy.

I understand that more than you know because my four children all attended private schools. We took great care to make going to private school their idea. That produced lots of anticipation, enthusiasm, and eventually appreciation for our support of aa great educational opportunity.

Student: Hey, I'm heading to private school soon. Any tips on how to survive?

School: Yo, congrats on the new adventure! Here's the lowdown on thriving in private school.

Dive In and Get Involved

Student: What's the deal with all the activities?

School: Dude, it's like an all-you-can-eat buffet of opportunities! We've got three main plates:

• Academics (obviously)
• Sports
• Extracurriculars

The cool part? You gotta try 'em all. It's not just about hitting the books. Jump into a new sport or club you've never tried before. Trust me, you won't be the only newbie, and you'll have a blast. But don't take my word. Check us out on social media. YT has tons of videos. And we're on TikTok as well.

This video offers a look at Savannah Country Day School in Savannah, Georgia.

Be Your Awesome Self

Student: I'm kinda nervous about fitting in. Any advice?

School: Chill, my friend. Here's the secret sauce:

• Ask questions: It's totally cool to be curious here.
• Be yourself: No need to fake it. Your quirks are welcome.
• Chat with your teachers: They're not just here to lecture. They actually dig what they do and want to help.

You're going to have lots of opportunities to explore stuff you could only dream about in public school. I know you love playing soccer, but wait until you try out lacrosse! And, honestly, you won't have to hide how smart you are because everybody in your class will be pretty much on the same level. At this school it's cool to be mart!

Master the Art of Studying

Student: The workload sounds intense. How do I keep up?

School: Yeah, it can be a bit wild at first. But don't sweat it, you'll learn to juggle like a pro. You'll be reading Shakespeare plays like they're comic books in no time. The key? Develop some killer study habits. Trust me, it'll come in handy later in life too.

The other thing is that our classes are small, compared to your old school. You'll have about 12 students in your class. Everybody participates in the discussions. And you won't get left behind if you don't understand something.

Oh, and did I mention our media center? Wait until you see that setup. State-of-the-art with all the resources you need including a really strong WiFi.

This video offers some reasons for attending Ravenscroft in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Make the Most of Your Breaks

Student: What about when school's out?

School: That's when the real fun begins! You've got options:

• Travel: Explore your area or go international if you can.
• Take a cool course: Try out college life with a summer program.

It's all about broadening your horizons, ya know? Also, you'll be able to have your classmate from Taiwan over during the Thanksgiving and other week-long holidays. And how about the skiing trip we're planning to Vermont over the Christmas break?

Squad Goals

Student: But what about my old friends? I won't know anyone!

School: I get it, it's scary. But here's the thing - you're about to meet your new squad. These folks will be on your wavelength, and they might even become friends for life. Plus, don't stress about the older kids. We're all one big, respectful community here.

If the folks you were friends with in your old school are really friends, they will be there for you no matter what school you attend. True, you won't see them as often, but they you guys will still be able to get together.

Student: Won't I miss my family? My home? My stuff?

School: Yes! Of course you will. But you're going to be really busy with your courses, sports, and a ton of extracurriculars to choose fro. Plus, your classmates have all been through those feelingstoo. So, they'll understand and listen to you.

Remember to Have a Blast

Student: Sounds like a lot of work...

School: Work hard, play hard, right? Look, learning is actually pretty rad when you're surrounded by people who are stoked to be here. So don't forget to enjoy the ride. It's gonna be fun, promise!

Remember that we're a close-knit community that looks out for every member of our community. We want you to be happy here. And we know you will have a great time. Can hardly wait to get to know you.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook and Instagram. @privateschoolreview

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