Quiet child at Whitman?

[Anonymous]

My child has been in a small parochial setting until now. If we are not able to swing tuition for HS next year, we would send her to Whitman. What resources are in place there so quiet kids don't just get lost in the hustle and bustle of such a big school?

[Anonymous]

Unless the shyness is debilitating, I don't understand why you would worry.

First of all, it's Whitman, which offers a multitude of resources b/c it pulls from a high tax base and has an active PTA.

Freshmen have orientation and are introduced to their administrators, counselors and school resources - like clubs and activities. You child should sign on to something asap if you're concerned about her shy personality.

You've got to let go at some point.

[Anonymous]

My DC had a very easy transition to Whitman, coming from a very small independent school. The key was getting involved in something early on, which in our DCs case was sports, but as the PP noted there are a million activities available. Music, debate, crew, cross country are all active for 9th graders. The plus of sports is that it starts 2 weeks before school starts so you begin the year with people you know. There is also a band camp before school starts. My DC says the school feels a lot smaller than it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: My DC says the school feels a lot smaller than it is.

That's the type of thing I was looking for.

As a parent, I don't have a problem letting go. I work full time so I'm not a hovering mom that is taking care of her every whim. She's the one expressing unease with the size of the school. She's busy with several activities now but they tend to involve the same people so I think the idea of breaking into something new with all new people is what makes her nervous.