My son did the same thing in 7th grade. It was the best thing we ever did. Sadly, COVID shut down everything his 4th quarter but up until that point it was great. He seamlessly transitioned in. It’s an amazing school.

For context, he has adhd and anxiety and the social part of a tiny school was really difficult for him. He built off the couple of neighborhood kids and made a lot of friends from a much larger pool of kids. The academics were as good and at times better than his private school experience. The only downside was less writing. I think that’s one thing smaller classes in private school does much better than public school.

Anonymous wrote:If she’s interested, cross country is usually a no cut sport, even if she’s not super fast. It’s a good way to get to know some other kids early in the fall. CC is also a good sport to ease transition to HS and make friends the summer before HS.

This is great advice. My son started MCPS in 8th grade also and ran cc. Wasn't fast at all but made some friends so definitely worthwhile. I don't think clubs start until later in the Fall, though, right?

If she’s interested, cross country is usually a no cut sport, even if she’s not super fast. It’s a good way to get to know some other kids early in the fall. CC is also a good sport to ease transition to HS and make friends the summer before HS.

Anonymous wrote:It's fine.
Reconnect with the neighbors.
Dress neat and smile.
Join clubs.
Bring some cookies to share with the lunch table.

Do you have a local religious/heritage community?

We do not have a local religious/heritage community, I wish we did.

I appreciate the advice. Thank you!

It's fine.
Reconnect with the neighbors.
Dress neat and smile.
Join clubs.
Bring some cookies to share with the lunch table.

Do you have a local religious/heritage community?

Umm, yes a terrible idea unless she plays a sport.

We are considering taking our daughter out of private school and sending her to CJMS. But she'd be new and only knows a couple of neighbors that attend. She is not super outgoing but not reserve, either. Is this a terrible idea from a social standpoint? Any CJMS parents out there that can speak to the rising 8th grade cohort, by any chance? Ty.