--- title: Advice for Students Beginning their Freshman Year in High School description: Learn essential advice for soon-to-be freshmen in high school. image: https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Athletics_Images/2015_Sanford_FH_v_WFS_2a.jpg --- Search - [mySANFORD HUB](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app/) [![Sanford School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/master-logo-horizontal-nofounded.png)](https://www.sanfordschool.org/) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [Why Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/financial-aid) - 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[Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/dining-services) - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/spirit-store) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/school-news) - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/sanford-news-network) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/calendar) - [Sanford Speaks Podcast](http://sanfordspeaks.libsyn.com/) - [Auction 2019](https://sanfordschool.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/Sanfords30thAnnualAuction/tabid/1027331/Default.aspx) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/sustainability) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid) - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships) - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission) - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information) - [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford) - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education) - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/dining-services) - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/spirit-store) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/sanford-news-network) - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/) - [Video Gallery](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/video-gallery) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability) - [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) - [Parents](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) - [Home and School Association](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association) - [Alumni](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) - [Welcome Back!](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) - [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) - [Parents](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) - [Home and School Association](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association) - [Alumni](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) - [Welcome Back!](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) # EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG *Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.* ## Advice for Students Beginning their Freshman Year in High School Posted by [Olivia Civiletti](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/author/olivia-civiletti) on September 8, 2017 at 11:30 AM ![Olivia Civiletti](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Blog_Authors/12_0823_4294.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![High School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Athletics_Images/2015_Sanford_FH_v_WFS_2a.jpg?width=300&name=2015_Sanford_FH_v_WFS_2a.jpg "High School")While exciting and hopeful, beginnings can also be frightening and uncertain. A student’s freshman year of high school is one of those hopeful, yet undetermined beginnings. You can be anything and do anything which is as much daunting as it is exhilarating. The next four years will help prepare a student for whatever the future holds, so it is very important that it go as smoothly as possible. With awareness and foresight, all of the stress of beginning school can be replaced by the excitement and joy it deserves. To ease the transition from middle to upper school, incoming freshmen should try: JOINING A FALL SPORTS TEAM Participating in a fall sport such as volleyball, field hockey, soccer, or cross country means coming to school a few weeks early for fall preseason. This bonding through sports practices makes the transition from middle school smoother as it gives students a head start getting to know people before school gets too busy. Preseason offers a few stress-free, fun, and hard-working weeks in which to get to know some of the other high schoolers. Students also get an opportunity to form a bond with an upperclassman who can give them advice about school. Joining a few clubs Joining clubs is a great way for freshmen to quickly get involved in the school’s community and a great way to meet like-minded people. By participating in a club that reflects the student’s interests, he or she is more likely to meet people who have similar interests and values. Clubs are also an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience. Students can spearhead a club’s project or become part of the leadership of the club itself. These leadership positions sometimes help a college application as it allows colleges see how students apply themselves outside of the classroom. Going to teachers for extra help Believe it or not, teachers actually *want* to help their students as much as they can and want them to achieve all that they are capable of. If the freshmen year classes quickly become harder than expected, students should absolutely approach their teachers for extra help. Whether it be explaining a concept in more depth, doing practice problems, going over a test, or discussing the possibility of dropping the class, teachers are always more willing than students think they are to help the students succeed. Approaching academics without fear Even though the stakes are higher in upper school than in middle school, incoming freshmen should feel comfortable taking risks especially when it comes to academics. High school is a good place to fail; students have a safe environment to fall down and time to get back up with their peers and teachers supporting them. Freshmen in high school should be encouraged to take the honors versions of courses they are interested in. Being yourself Though movies and TV shows have tried to convince us otherwise, high school is a place where students can be themselves and express who they are. It can be an easy piece of advice in its simplicity, but it is integral to having a successful freshman year. Everyone is nervous, so students should try to keep it simple and be themselves. Whether dreaded or anticipated, freshman year is one that students will never forget. It is full of new experiences, new friends, and new challenges. When students are prepared for this life-changing step, it proves to be a worthwhile and memorable childhood chapter which shapes children's characters for life. [![What Makes Sanford Stand Out as The Best Private School in Delaware?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/4852d399-dbda-4656-a504-83e6c54d9983.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/4852d399-dbda-4656-a504-83e6c54d9983) --- *Olivia Civiletti is a member of [Sanford School](http://www.sanfordschool.org)'s Class of 2017. She is currently attending Johns Hopkins University.* --- *See also: [Information about Sanford's Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford)* Topics: [Health & Wellness](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/health-wellness), [High School Experience](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/high-school-experience) [![Register for a Tour of Sanford School Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300) ### Subscribe Via Email ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Parenting Tips (73)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/parenting-tips) - [Education (64)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education) - [Health & Wellness (45)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/health-wellness) - [Academics (42)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics) - [Community (35)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/community) - [Elementary Education (16)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/elementary-education) - [STEM (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/stem) - [Summer (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/summer) - [Diversity (13)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/diversity) - [Arts (12)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/arts) - [Sanford School (11)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/sanford-school) - [High School Experience (10)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/high-school-experience) - [Athletics (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/athletics) - [College Guidance (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/college-guidance) - [Admission (8)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/admission) - [Financial Aid (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/financial-aid) - [Middle School (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/middle-school) - [Affordability (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/affordability) - [Distance Learning (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/distance-learning) - [Alumni (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/alumni) - [School Counseling (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/school-counseling) - [Preschool (3)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/preschool) - [After-School Programs (1)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/after-school-programs) see all ## Sanford School [6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6900+Lancaster+Pike+Hockessin+DE+19707) Phone: [302.235.6500](tel:302.235.6500) Email: [admission@sanfordschool.org](mailto:admission@sanfordschool.org) - [![pais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571018_49581.png)](https://www.paispa.org/index.cfm) - [![nais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571017_49580.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx) - [![advis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571015_49579.png)](http://www.advis.org/RelId/33637/ISvars/default/Home.htm) ## Connect With Us - [![facebook](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571026_49585.png)](https://www.facebook.com/SanfordSchool) - [![twitter](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571024_49584.png)](https://twitter.com/sanfordwarrior) - [![instagram](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571023_49583.png)](https://www.instagram.com/sanfordwarrior/) ## No Talent Lies Latent Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Hockessin, Delaware, Sanford School is a college-prep [private school](http://mainsite.sanfordschool.onmessagestaging.com/Page/Admission/Why-Private-School?) for boys and girls in preschool (age 3) through high school. Open Sitemap - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid) - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships) - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission) - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information) - [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford) - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education) - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)