For many freshmen, high school feels bigger, faster and more intimidating than they expected. With crowded hallways, new classes and a much bigger school than they were used to, many freshmen have been having a positive experience so far.

“High school has more freedom to do things like having more class options, a workout room, and more sports and clubs,” Charlie Fields (29) said. “So far, it’s been a pretty good experience.”

Having more freedom has been a big plus among many freshman adjusting to their new schedules. Many students are noticing how drastic the changes from middle school to high school have been.

“It feels way bigger than middle school, but in a good way, and I like it a lot,” Andrew Abraham (29) said. “There’s always something going on, and I like meeting new people that I have never talked to before.”

For other students, the transition from middle school to high school also comes with its challenges. Harder classes, more pressure, more homework, and higher expectations from teachers can be hard to adjust to.

“The teachers expect us to be more organized, which is kind of stressful, but it also makes me feel more responsible,” Thomas Davidson (29) said. 

While freshmen admitted to struggling with finding their classes and navigating the crowded hallways on the first day, most said they are quickly adapting to high school. Several students expressed excitement about sports, clubs and school events.

As the school year continues, many ninth graders would say their first week as a freshman was a positive experience, and they are excited for the upcoming school year.