Every school year, a new batch of freshmen enter high school and start trying to find their way within the school community. Some go into sports, others join clubs or other school activities. With high school, students often find more leeway than they previously found at their previous schools.

   “Some differences I’ve noticed in high school is that there’s definitely a lot more classes and tons more freedom to be yourself which I love,” freshman Chloe Kilgore said.

   Teachers and students alike can make or break a school’s social culture, influencing how incoming students, whether coming or not from the same school district, think about their high school.

“Moving from Kansas to Missouri, all while changing school districts has been tough and my broadcasting class has helped with some of my editing skills and with other skills I’m trying to learn. My teachers are also helpful because they have been funny and very likable,” freshman Vince Orr said.

   Students sometimes tend to have favorite classes that appear in their schedules throughout the day. Feeling connected through various classes is a good way to stay involved in a positive way at school.

“My favorite class is probably choir. Both of the choir teachers are so sweet and very supportive of their students which has helped me adjust,” freshman Erin Petty said.

   Although some students may like high school and some may not, it is a substantial change from middle school that takes a noticeable amount of time to get used to. These new freedoms contribute to the likeability of school to new students.

“I like high school. There’s a lot of extra freedom and I just like having more help from the teachers here than I did in my middle school years,” freshman Peterson said.