Starting high school is an exciting new chapter—but also a big change. At Niños de Guatemala, we understand that the transition from sixth grade to first year of secondary school comes with challenges. That’s why our multidisciplinary team works closely with students, families, and teachers to support this important journey.
“It’s a complex process,” shared the team. “Students go from having one main teacher in primary to interacting with several teachers in secondary. They also move to a new school building and face natural emotional changes that come with adolescence.”
Emotionally, students often deal with feelings of detachment, growing independence, and the need to adapt. Academically, it’s a big transition to more subjects, rotating classrooms, and greater responsibility for organizing their time and materials.
Before the school year even begins, the secondary team visits the primary schools. “We start building relationships early,” they explained. “Vacation School is essential—it helps students learn the routines. And once the year starts, we follow up with group talks and emotional intelligence classes.”
One of the biggest shifts is that students from two different primary schools now become one community. “In secondary, there are no divisions. Everyone becomes part of one big team. We mix students evenly across sections and focus on emotional support, conflict resolution, and responsibility.”
Of course, new experiences come with anxiety. Students worry about fitting in, making new friends, or meeting new teachers. Parents also play a vital role—supporting routines, checking agendas, and staying committed to the school’s guidelines.
“We remind students that it’s normal to feel nervous,” the team said. “But with a positive attitude, they’ll overcome the challenges.”
As always, our priority is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for every student. And with your support, we continue to improve this journey.
