As the 2025-2026 school year begins, Walpole High School has officially received its students for the graduating class of 2029. The incoming freshmen bring new personalities to the halls of WHS and different aspects of talent in many departments such as clubs, sports and more. WHS has been educating students since 1870, preparing students for success through academics, athletics, art and community involvement.
The transition from eighth grade to freshman year can be more challenging than some students expect. With increased academic levels, new expectations and a higher level of social pressure, freshman year comes with many challenges to adapt to and overcome. Freshman Aidan Buckley, who attended both Walpole and Johnson Middle schools for his intermediate education, is excited for his freshman year of high school.
“The transition was actually really good, so far my high school experience has been great and I’m liking it more than middle school. My favorite part has just been the freedom and being able to make more of your own decisions,” Buckley said. “I just want to make sure I keep all my grades up.”
Another goal for many freshmen is keeping up with schoolwork, the amount of work given in high school compared to middle school is drastically different. Homework and study time increases, while free time and lounge time decreases. Some students find this shift challenging; however, most are prepared and know what is expected of them. Leah Alves, another freshman who attended JMS and later WMS, has taken note of how the commitment of high school differs from middle school.
“The most stressful part of high school is how much work we have to accomplish. From getting homework in every class and studying for tests it is new for me. Last year we did not really have homework that often so it was new adaptation. Making time for everything was also very stressful, for example making time for sports, clubs and being able to do my homework,” Alves said.
In middle school, the workload and expectations are drastically different than in high school. Middle schoolers are often guided and told by their teachers how to execute tasks and given detailed instructions. When a mistake is made, middle school faculty often give guidance on how to fix it and what to do next. However, in high school, the expectation is that students understand what is expected of them and will have it done when needed. When a mistake is made or something goes wrong, students are expected to be proactive and get the help they need in order to succeed. This can be a difficult transition for incoming freshmen. New students are expected to learn how to balance their commitments.
As the year unfolds, WHS’s newest students are beginning to find balance and ways to conquer the change they are faced with. The transition from middle school to high school can be very demanding but it also brings many new opportunities for growth in different ways. With the support of WHS peers and staff, the class of 2029 plans to show that they can handle the workload and challenges that WHS may offer and leave a long lasting impact on the school’s legacy.
