Transitioning from public to private school can be a significant shift for students and their families, and it is necessary to be well-informed about what is involved in this process prior to making the move. The change in educational type can often involve adapting to new academic standards and expectations, acclimatizing to different social environments, and adjusting to alternative teaching styles and methods.
At Keystone, we do our best to make the process of transitioning from public to private school as seamless as possible, and it is certainly important to make sure the private school you choose for your child does this. The aim of any private school should be to help new students adapt and thrive in their new educational landscape as quickly and easily as possible.
Understanding the Transition
It is crucial to understand that transitioning from public to private school is not merely a change of location: it’s a holistic shift that affects every aspect of a student’s academic and social life. Students must adapt to smaller class sizes and an entirely new peer group, as well as a new set of teacher expectations.
Moreover, private schools often have distinct cultures and values, which can significantly differ from those found in public schools.
For example, at Keystone we pride ourselves on our small class sizes, aiming to have no more than 16 students in any given classroom, at any given grade level. For a student who is used to sitting in a public school classroom with over 30 students, this change can be jarring.
Although smaller class-sizes are proven to be extremely beneficial to students (as is explored in this Macleans article in greater detail), a student who has never been in such an intimate setting may find it difficult to bond with their peers and teachers at first, and may face some anxiety and nervousness about being in such a small group. However, this type of classroom environment serves as a unique space full of opportunities for students to explore topics more deeply and take dedicated time to develop and express their opinions. Once students are properly acclimated to this new environment, they will begin to connect and engage in discussions with greater confidence, and so it is worth being aware of the potential for reluctance at first and understand that this is natural part of the transition.
Preparing Students and Families
It is also very important when transitioning from public to private school to attend any orientation sessions made available by your student’s new school.
For example, here at Keystone, we take proactive steps to prepare both students and their families for the changes they will experience, in the following ways:
- Orientation Programs: We host orientation sessions prior to the start of each semester that are designed to familiarize new students with our campus, faculty, and school policies. These sessions also provide an opportunity to meet peers who are going through the same transition, and engage in social activities with new and returning students to establish camaraderie from the get-go.
- Buddy Systems: Pairing new students with seasoned ones helps ease any uncertainty about entering a new school environment. This peer mentorship is invaluable in helping new students find their footing, whether it is just physically moving through the school building or emotionally transitioning to a new educational style and structure.
- Parental Involvement: Keystone encourages parents to become involved in the school community from the start. Regular updates and open communication through newsletters and social media updates ensure that parents can track their child’s progress and become active participants in their education. Parents are also invited to create observer accounts on our online platforms so that they can follow along with their student’s progress in real-time.
- Tailored Academic Support: Recognizing that students come from diverse educational backgrounds is essential, and at Keystone, we offer tailored academic support by our Academic Coordinators to address individual learning needs. This might include additional tutoring sessions, skills workshops, or personalized learning plans, all of which are especially crucial for students with learning differences who may be choosing a private school for this extra bit of support.
- Counselling and Support Services: Change can be challenging, and our counselling program is designed to help students navigate their feelings about moving to a new school environment. Our student support system works to manage student stress levels and address anxiety, as well as build students’ overall confidence.
Academic and Social Integration
A main focus when transitioning from public to private school should be not just academic excellence, but also ensuring that each student feels valued and integrated into the school community.
At Keystone, we implement several types of activities designed to integrate students into the school community, including:
- Team-Building Activities: Regularly scheduled events that promote teamwork and school spirit and help new students form bonds with their classmates. A student favourite is our frequent escape room events at the school, designed and led by our teachers and completed in teams by our students.
- Clubs and Societies: Encouraging students to join clubs can help them pursue their interests and talents, providing a platform for social interaction and personal growth.
- Leadership Opportunities: These allow students to take on roles that can help shape their sense of responsibility and their ability to impact their community positively, such as mentoring their fellow students in younger grades or engaging in peer tutoring.
All of these activities encourage students to feel a sense of ownership over their school community and their time here with us.
The transition process at Keystone is designed to not only ease students into their new private school environment, but also to set them up for long-term success. The skills they develop—adaptability, resilience, and confidence—are not just academic ones; they are essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Transitioning from public to private school is a pivotal opportunity for growth and development for students and their families alike. By providing comprehensive support and dedicated resources, schools can ensure that every student can navigate this transition successfully and emerge as confident, capable learners ready to tackle the challenges they will encounter during and beyond high school.
