According to U.S. News & World Report, nearly half of U.S. parents considered switching schools for at least one of their children in the past year. For many parents, the benefits of a new school are clear—more opportunities, a stronger sense of community, or a better academic fit. But for children, the idea of change can feel big and overwhelming.
Children often express concerns about making friends, leaving behind familiar routines, and stepping into the unknown. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate these normal and predictable emotions. When students feel supported and affirmed every step of the way they are more likely to be open to the process.
Facing the Unknown: Start With a Visit
One of the best ways to ease your child’s anxiety about switching schools is simply to visit. Walking the halls, meeting teachers, and seeing other students in action can turn an abstract idea into something real and relatable.
At Friends’ Central School, we invite applicants to spend time on campus during the school day. During these visits, students connect with peers, sit in on classes, and begin to get a feel for what life is like here. For many children, this personal experience goes a long way in replacing uncertainty with curiosity—and even excitement.
“Will I Make New Friends?”
This is one of the most common and heartfelt questions students ask during visits. Making friends is a top priority for many young people, and the idea of starting over socially can be daunting.
That’s why we’re intentional about helping visiting students connect with peers. At Friends’ Central, every applicant is paired with student hosts who can answer questions, offer reassurance, and simply be a friendly face throughout the day. Often, by the end of a visit, students leave with a smile—and the comforting sense that new friendships are just around the corner.
Embracing a Fresh Start
A new school offers more than just a change of scenery—it can be a chance for your child to grow into who they are becoming. For middle and high schoolers in particular, the opportunity to redefine themselves in a new environment can be empowering. Whether it’s trying out for a team, joining a new club, or speaking up more confidently in class, a fresh start can be a catalyst for self-discovery.
At Friends’ Central, many new students find that the school’s supportive and inclusive environment encourages them to take those first steps. With a wide range of co-curricular and academic opportunities, there’s space for every student to discover what excites them—and who they want to become.
“What About My Current Friends?”
Many applicants ask this question, they often express concerns about leaving their friends behind. Friendships from a previous school—or from extracurriculars, summer camps, or neighborhood groups—can feel like lifelines for children during a transition. And they should be.
Parents can help children maintain those connections while also building new ones. Encouraging friendships from different spheres—what some call “social tribes”—helps build resilience and a strong sense of self. When students have multiple communities that affirm and support them, they’re more likely to feel confident, connected, and less isolated. They are not losing old friends, they are making new ones!
Supporting your child in keeping up with friends from outside school—inviting them to games, performances, or weekend hangouts—can ease the transition and reinforce the idea that making a change doesn’t mean losing what matters.
Closing Thoughts: Walking Alongside Your Child
Change, especially for children, can be a complex mix of excitement and fear. As parents, we can help by naming those feelings, validating them, and showing up with reassurance and encouragement.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore new school options or are in the midst of the admissions process, remember: helping your child feel seen, heard, and supported is what matters most. At Friends’ Central, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way—and to help your child feel that same sense of welcome and belonging from the very first visit.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to our Admissions team (admissions@friendscentral.org) or schedule a campus tour. We’d love to get to know your family!
