<p>Currently, I'm an eighth grader at a public middle school with about 270 kids in my class. I have been considered the "smart kid" since elementary school. I've been with the same kids for about 8 years so I once I was been labeled as "smart," there was no way I could change the way everyone perceived me. It's not that people dislike me. I do have friends. But I've never been asked out by a guy, never gone to a big party, or done any of things that the "popular crowd" does. When I meet people for the first time who don't go to my school, I am talkative and friendly.</p>
<p>Next year, I'm going to a well-known private school. There will be a lot of kids there who come from wealthy families, as well as kids like me whose families are doing well, but not living in mansions or anything.</p>
<p>How do you think my popularity/status could change when I go to a new school (not necessarily for the better or for the worst)? Have you had an experience like this? Do you have any advice on making a good first impression? Any insight would be appreciated!</p>
<p>NITW, our DC made the switch from public to private at about the same age. Yes it was a big change. Partly that is because you are older and you have changed, and a fresh start lets you be who you are now, not who you were. But partly it is also the other students. They WANT to be in school and they like it!</p>
<p>DC ended up at Milton Academy - and it is heaven for kids who enjoy learning (yes and sports and theater and art while the teaching and classes are definitely the foundation at Milton). If you like classes you will fit right in. In terms of steady dating, there was not a lot in 9th grade - everyone is really busy - but there are a bunch of school dances and parties and from what I could discern, people seemed more open and friendly and accepting than you might find in public school. </p>
<p>Milton is also a good fit for kids coming from public. Whatever the income levels may be at home, the students dress in a relaxed and casual way, e.g. sweats or jeans or shorts nearly all the time. There are some traditions but generally Milton is not a pretentious place. </p>
<p>In terms of first impressions the best advice is probably to be open to meeting lots of people at the start. Another point is that if you take a bus, you will probably get to know the kids on your bus very well and find some friends there.</p>
<p>Finally being a parent I cannot help but insert some parental advice which you are free to ignore: Being popular in high school is overrated, and soon forgotten. If you judge yourself by whether you are becoming popular, you will be forced to live how others want and to do and say what others expect. Far better to decide what is right for yourself, and then act accordingly. The people who like the Real You will be your friends for life, and you want to find those people as soon as you can. There will be plenty of them at your new school, so get ready for a great adventure this fall.</p>