The transition from elementary to middle school is a big milestone for young students and families alike. It’s a time of excitement, but it can also bring uncertainty as students move to a new environment, meet new friends, and face greater academic expectations. With the right preparation, your child can approach this next chapter with confidence, curiosity, and joy.1. Get familiar with the new routine.Middle school means a shift in daily routines. Students often switch between several teachers and classrooms instead of staying with one all day. A great way to ease this transition is by creating a mock schedule at home. Work with your child to review what a typical day might look like, including breaks, lunch, and the end-of-day routine. Practice moving from “class to class” at home to give them a sense of what the new day will feel like.2. Meet new friends by getting involved.One of the most exciting parts of middle school is meeting new friends from different schools and neighborhoods. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities—whether it’s sports, theater, or a club they’re interested in. Bernadette Street, Notre Dame Prep’s Middle School Counselor, recommends that students introduce themselves with a friendly smile and say something simple, like, “Hi, I’m Lily, nice to meet you! What’s your favorite class so far?” Building connections early on helps make the transition smoother and makes a new school feel more like a community. 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions.Navigating a larger campus can be intimidating, but students don’t have to figure it out on their own. Notre Dame Prep’s Middle Level Principal Jo Marie Tolj offers this comforting advice: “It’s okay to ask questions—everyone’s been new at some point. Don’t hesitate to ask where the dining hall or a certain classroom is. You’ll soon find your way around, and before long, it’ll feel like second nature.” Familiarizing yourself with the campus during orientation or an open house can also help reduce first-day jitters.4. Get organized.Middle school comes with more responsibility, including keeping track of assignments from multiple teachers. Start building good habits by using an agenda or planner. At Notre Dame Prep, online tools such as PrepNet and the NDP Website connect families with class assignments, grades, and schedules. Sit down with your child at the end of each day to review their homework and upcoming projects. Creating a designated study space at home, where they can focus and stay organized, will help ease the academic load and keep stress levels low. 5. Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous.Starting middle school can feel daunting, but those first-day butterflies are normal. Reassure your child that they are not alone in feeling this way. Encourage them to be patient with themselves as they settle into new routines, friendships, and responsibilities. Within a few days or weeks, the unfamiliar halls will begin to feel like a second home.At Notre Dame Preparatory School, we understand that transitioning to middle school is a big step, and we are here to support each student along the way. Our caring teachers and staff make it their mission to help every student feel safe, welcome, and known. With small class sizes and a nurturing community, we help students not only meet academic challenges but also grow as young women of confidence and compassion.If you’d like to experience firsthand what makes Notre Dame Prep an exceptional place to learn and grow, we invite you to join us for a Blazer Day this fall. Blazer Days are a great way for your daughter to explore all elements of the Notre Dame Prep experience. We match each girl with a current student, often with similar interests and experiences, for a full school day on campus. If you are searching for a fun, faith-filled, and academically challenging middle school register today!REGISTER HEREWe look forward to welcoming you!