For 8th graders, change is in the air. As the end of the school year approaches, 8th graders are getting closer and closer to becoming high schoolers. However, increased responsibilities, workload, and pressure can cause eighth graders to dread freshman year. We wanted to get some insight into how PCS students are feeling. So, we talked to incoming freshmen about the change coming soon.

We first interviewed several students about their emotions about the transition from middle to high school. We quickly noticed that a common worry among eighth graders is the academics. One student admitted that “[they’re] nervous, because there is a lot more homework and [they’re] worried [that they’re] going to fail.”

An important decision for eighth graders is whether they will remain at PCS for high school. One eighth grader explained their decision to leave PCS: “[the] other school is closer to my house, I have more friends there, and [this] campus sucks.” We spoke to a student who is still deciding whether they are going to stay or leave PCS, and they expressed that they wanted to “go somewhere bigger.” Another claimed that “PCS is too small.” However, many students are staying due to the increased chances of getting into a good college. PCS has a 100% acceptance into college and is ranked #80 in national rankings. PCS also offers and requires many more AP classes than the other public high schools in the county and has multiple college credits in some classes. One student says, “ I’m going to stay for at least half of freshman year, but it really depends on my elective, homework load, and friends whether I’m going to stay or not. I want to get into NYU and PCS is going to look better on my college application then a random public high school.”

To conclude, this big transition brings lots of emotions with it, varying from excitement to dread. As eighth graders start this new chapter of their lives, they will face many ups and downs, but we’re confident the class of 2029 will make it through.