The transition from grade school to a public or Catholic high school can be a big adjustment for many students. A sympathetic parent is a great ally during this difficult time, easing his or her teenager's first-day jitters. The staff at Saint Joseph High School, serving Middlesex, Union, Essex, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Monmouth counties in New Jersey, discusses what you as a parent can do to help your eighth grader adjust from grade to high school.

These three tips can help you ready your teenager for public or Catholic high school:

• Prepare for the First Day: Most new high school students worry about the logistics of finding their locker and getting from one class to the next. Visiting the school before the first day can help your student find his classrooms and get acquainted with the building. 
• Encourage Involvement: Top-rated high schools are full of great opportunities for your student, including sports, clubs, and other activities. Encourage your child to join an extracurricular activity to meet people and make the transition to high school. Students engaged in sports and clubs are more likely to excel both academically and socially.
• Be Supportive: The importance of making sure you are always available to your student cannot be understated. Take time to listen when he feels overwhelmed or stressed, and provide encouragement. Use positive language, letting your teen know you are confident in him.

Saint Joseph High School is one of the top-rated high schools in New Jersey, providing a comprehensive Catholic education and instilling a strong set of values in its students. Give them a call at (732) 549-7600 to speak to a member of their dedicated staff, or visit them online to learn more about their Catholic high school.

(Photo by Christopher Holgado, SJHS student)