How can I help my child adjust to a new private school?

New schools come with new schedules, new teachers, and—gulp—new social circles. But with a little emotional backup from you, your child will settle in just fine. Start by listening. Validate their feelings (even the nervous ones) and keep the door open for honest convos. Help them get involved: clubs, sports, volunteering—it’s all fair game for making new connections. Attend any orientations, tour the campus together, and stay in touch with teachers. Be patient—it can take a little while to find their footing. Celebrate the small wins, and remind your child that starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means growing.