<p>Not sure where this belongs, but how have people found the workload to be at prep schools? (particularly in the HADES, as I will be attending one of those schools next fall.)</p>
<p>I'm worried about the large increase in work from public school to a new school because I don't want to end up floundering, if you know what I mean...do teachers usually start off with less work so you can get adjusted?</p>
<p>First- the workload at a HADES ( as you call them ) isn’t more challenging than the workload at a Gem. I had one kid at a BIG school and another at a Gem and both their complexions resembled freshly poured concrete at the end of every term. Secondary school is designed that way so please be reassured that you and your fellow HADES students won’t be the only one’s suffering. That’s part of the fun! </p>
<p>As a new student you’ll have to learn time management ( sooner rather than later) . If you find yourself floundering- talk to your advisor or teacher. You can also get advice from a peer mentor or proctor . Don’t manage your time based on what you see older and more experienced students doing. If all your friends are hanging out and you have work to do- don’t hang out. It’s pretty simple. </p>
<p>You’ll have nothing to worry about as long as you keep your head down and do the best you can. :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. @PhotographerMom</p>
<p>Nowadays schools are more effort driven. They’re not sink or swim like they used to be. If you need an academic lifeline (extra help/ course restructuring etc.), they’ll give you one. Your team (advisor and teachers) are in your corner and they want you to succeed! If you find yourself struggling you’ll need to advocate for yourself and reach out. </p>
<p>You won’t be the first new BS student to say, HELP! In fact, it’s the really smart kids who do. 
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<p>In my experience, teachers don’t slowly ramp up the work. The first few days may by a little lighter (maybe) but boarding school is a time management game. My kids on dorm say the key is to do homework throughout the weekend around planned activities or relaxation (something not all the public school kids were used to) and find weird little pockets of time during the day to make progress on smaller assignments. My school is smaller, but the honors kids are smacked with so much homework they really have to think strategically how to get it all done–especially when there’s an away game or play performance, etc. They say it’s better at first to focus on getting homework done and staying on top of assignments, and then eventually pockets of downtime start to open up.</p>
<p>Photographer Mom is right that the smart kids reach out for help from their teachers (or ask the advisor for time management strategies.) I think it’s the biggest difference between public school and private school kids: the public school kids are more likely to try to solve things on their own while the private school kids are good at getting help from adults. Both skills are important, but don’t forget that a lot of kids around you will reach out for help (though they may not admit it.) It can be a lot, but you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Schools recommend about 40 minutes of homework a day for each class, and typical load is 5 classes. However, judicious use of free periods, lunch, and 7-10 PM can get it done (remember sports run to 6, then dinner). Weekends are good for projects and papers, catching up or working ahead for the week. </p>
<p>Basically every waking minute you are not in a sport you will spend doing schoolwork during the week, and probably about half the time on weekends. </p>
<p>If you fool around and procrastinate you will not sleep and can expect to get Ds. First term that’s what my Ds roommate did. </p>
<p>The kids all around you are as smart, and working just as hard. </p>