Should I Switch High Schools?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m currently in 8th grade attending a public middle school, but I want to know if I would be better off switching schools before I start high school because once I start high school I don’t really want to switch around. I don’t really like my current school or school district, and they have one of the worst performing schools in the nation and their isn’t really any reason that I want to go to the high school that I am supposed to go to, except for it being closer to my house. I’m really worried about what would happen if I switch when it comes to extracurriculars and my gpa. I’m currently taking Algebra l and an elective class that count as high school credits. I wanted to start a club and play a sport when I got to high school, which will probably be harder to do if I switch. I won’t be allowed to play competitive sports for a year if I switch according to state rules, but I can still tryout for cheerleading at some schools. I know there are about 3 other high schools I can attend in my area, but I would have to convince my parents(which is a challenge in itself) and then I would have to get accepted to transfer school districts. I’ve made a list of all the of things about each high school to see if I could narrow down one to try to attend.

High School #1(the high school in my current district)
shorter drive to and from high school
I already know some people there(even though they’re not really friends)
less competitive
I would most likely be valedictorian if things keep going the way their going
the district has a vocational school
No AP classes
horrible school district performance
high student to teacher ratio
the only program they have for college credit is dual enrollment with a local community college
this school is known for bullying issues(I have been bullied by multiple students who still go here)
is considered the ‘ghetto’ school in the area
I could tryout for cheer and tennis, and starting a club would be easy

High School #2
I live about 20 minutes from the high school
they have ap classes
no vocational school
I don’t know how my current courses will be applied to my transcript and affect my gpa
I don’t know if I am behind other students
I can try out for cheerleading since they aren’t competitive and don’t require tumbling
I know a few people so it would be easier to start a club
they don’t have a tennis team
no dual enrollment program

High School #3
I live about 20 minutes from the high school
they have an IB classes
no dual enrollment program
I wouldn’t be allowed to play any sport for a year
is considered one of the best high schools in the area
they have the highest test scores in the area
high student to teacher ratio because so many kids have switched to this school
they don’t have a tennis team
I don’t like their vocational school
I don’t know if I am behind other students
I don’t know how my current courses will be applied to my transcript and affect my gpa

High School #4
I live about 30 minutes from the high school
they have a dual enrollment program
they have a lot of AP classes
they have a great vocational school
I can tryout for cheer for freshman year
they have a tennis team and I can tryout for sophomore year
I don’t know anyone who goes there
I don’t know how my current courses will be applied to my transcript and affect my gpa
I don’t know if I am behind other students

I really like high school #4, but I would have to convince my parents to drive that far to get me to school. I get my drivers license half way through my freshman year so I’m hoping I can persuade my parents through that. If I can convince them to let me switch I would have to call and ask the school more questions, but I think most of the stuff on my list is correct. I don’t know what i’m going to do yet, but i’m really worried about going to a bad high school and hurting my chances of getting a full ride to a big state school. I know that sounds really stupid and I probably won’t achieve that goal, but I really want to so i’m trying my best to find the best high school option.

2

If you have a way to go to a high school with AP classes, do it! You sound like a great student and so you need to challenge yourself as much as possible. That’s the main thing. You’ll catch up fast to the new students. The more challenging the better.

3

The description you gave of each high school doesn’t seem to reveal much, but I would suggest you switch high schools. Though if school #3 is ranked as one of the top, I think that would be a better choice unless school #4 is decent too.

From what I’ve heard, higher-tier colleges don’t care what high school you went to. However, it’s still worth a try to transfer. One thing that might really help you is less social issues from a better student base, as well as more motivation to learn because of the better environment and student body. You would also probably not fall asleep in classes from adding 1+1 either, since you go to a terrible high school.

4

I’d probably leave your district. I go to a “ghetto” school as well. By ghetto, I mean one of the worst in my state, not the “bad” side of a suburban town. I’m a senior, and we’re honestly doing nothing except talking/texting all day. The students are always disruptive, and it’s not motivating. I often worry about falling behind during college. If you have a chance, avoid schools like these.

I’d find out how far behind you are, before you make any decisions. I wouldn’t transfer to a school where you’d be drastically behind. You have three other options, one of them will probably be a better fit.

5

if you have the option, #4 is the best with #2 being a close second. However, most public school require you to live within the district boundaries and pay taxes for the school district. If the school is 30 minutes away, then a bus will obviously not stop at your house and you will need a ride every morning and afternoon until you can drive. If can though, definitely get out of #1 because having no AP courses available is BAD.