Stone Ridge Upper School Question

[Anonymous]

DD has been accepted to the 9th grade and we need to make a decision this week. She (and we) really like the school. However DD is concerned that with half the class coming from the SR lower school, she won't be able to integrate into set friend groups. She saw the girls coming from the lower school sticking tightly together at the recent new student reception and got concerned. Has anyone else experienced the dynamic going into SR upper school as a new student? How does the school handle it?

[Anonymous]

I am a current SR middle school parent and wanted to tell you that it's a really nice class of girls actually. My DD is in 7th and plays sports and does plays with them and she thinks they are very friendly and fun - so I wouldn't worry too much. Does you daughter play a sport? If so, she will have two weeks of practice before school even starts in the fall to meet people in a fun environment. If not, I still wouldn't worry because the kids coming from middle school are all VERY excited to meet new kids. They may not have shown it for some reason at the event you attended but your DD will have no trouble finding a group.

[Anonymous]

My DD came in new in 9th grade, and I made the *exact* same observation/had the same worry at the welcome reception. It is true there are some girls with long-standing friendships, although that could be possible with girls coming from parochial schools to HS-only girls' schools as well. In any case, as the PP said, I do think it's a welcome influx & so many girls are new (about half the class), plus there are a lot of opportunities to bond with new groups -- orientation, advisory groups, new sports teams, new clubs, etc. My DD, who is a bit quiet/shy, felt very comfortable right away and has made some really nice friendships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD came in new in 9th grade, and I made the *exact* same observation/had the same worry at the welcome reception. It is true there are some girls with long-standing friendships, although that could be possible with girls coming from parochial schools to HS-only girls' schools as well. In any case, as the PP said, I do think it's a welcome influx & so many girls are new (about half the class), plus there are a lot of opportunities to bond with new groups -- orientation, advisory groups, new sports teams, new clubs, etc. My DD, who is a bit quiet/shy, felt very comfortable right away and has made some really nice friendships.

OP here. Thank you for your perspective. I can feel my DD's concern: What if no one will sit with me at lunch when I get there, etc. But our sense is that SR deals with this every year so they must have an approach to addressing it. Would you agree? She just needs to feel some level of assurance before saying yes. I think we are getting there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD came in new in 9th grade, and I made the *exact* same observation/had the same worry at the welcome reception. It is true there are some girls with long-standing friendships, although that could be possible with girls coming from parochial schools to HS-only girls' schools as well. In any case, as the PP said, I do think it's a welcome influx & so many girls are new (about half the class), plus there are a lot of opportunities to bond with new groups -- orientation, advisory groups, new sports teams, new clubs, etc. My DD, who is a bit quiet/shy, felt very comfortable right away and has made some really nice friendships.

OP here. Thank you for your perspective. I can feel my DD's concern: What if no one will sit with me at lunch when I get there, etc. But our sense is that SR deals with this every year so they must have an approach to addressing it. Would you agree? She just needs to feel some level of assurance before saying yes. I think we are getting there.

Yes I would agree. All of the teachers are cognizant of this issue and try their best to integrate the new class nicely.
SR is supposed to be a friendly place overall, they do work toward that.
My DD is happy having come in for 9th . The key is having some activities.
I don't think anyone sits at lunch alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD has been accepted to the 9th grade and we need to make a decision this week. She (and we) really like the school. However DD is concerned that with half the class coming from the SR lower school, she won't be able to integrate into set friend groups. She saw the girls coming from the lower school sticking tightly together at the recent new student reception and got concerned. Has anyone else experienced the dynamic going into SR upper school as a new student? How does the school handle it?

A similar concern of ours. We are new incoming 9th grader. What did you decide? We signed contract yesterday for SR.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD has been accepted to the 9th grade and we need to make a decision this week. She (and we) really like the school. However DD is concerned that with half the class coming from the SR lower school, she won't be able to integrate into set friend groups. She saw the girls coming from the lower school sticking tightly together at the recent new student reception and got concerned. Has anyone else experienced the dynamic going into SR upper school as a new student? How does the school handle it?

A similar concern of ours. We are new incoming 9th grader. What did you decide? We signed contract yesterday for SR.

OP here. We went with SR also. Here's hoping our DDs find each other!