Have you ever been so excited for a huge change in your life but when it actually happens, you feel as if you have stepped into a nightmare? If I asked you to name one example of this happening in your life, you’d probably say going from middle school to high school. I’m sure many people would agree with you. Especially in a school with the academic standards that Ridge possesses. We set out on an investigation to see how freshmen are handling this ginormous change. Some of the responses varied but we noticed one central pattern: they like Ridge better because the students have more freedom. However the increase in the daily work is a common downside that was mentioned in students’ responses.

After recording all of the freshmen’s responses, it has come to the conclusion that they prefer going to Ridge because they are treated as equals. For example, one student mentioned, “The teachers are great [at Ridge]… you find your people, you’re more mature and are happier. You start to find ways to cope with life in high school.” Many students, in all grade levels, love coming to Ridge because there aren’t any popularity statuses. Everyone is considered equal, and people are free to explore interests that intrigue them. Another student said, “We have so much more freedom [at Ridge]… Although the classes might be tougher, other parts of our school are fun.” It is expressed from the students of Ridge that they have many freedoms that include all grade levels. Similarly, a freshman named Rhianne Iglesias said, “I think that Ridge has more freedom than WAMS…” She explains that as she entered a new school with more responsibilities, it all appeared less scary  after she learned about the freedoms and perks of Ridge High School. So we can see that the common response from previous interviews when asked about why they preferred Ridge over WAMS is the immense level of freedom that the freshmen are suddenly given.

But while there are positives to Ridge, one major problem has risen: a ginormous amount of time dedicated to homework. The teachers at Ridge are fun and allow you freedom, but with freedom comes responsibility.

 These responsibilities include more homework and difficult work as observed by a ninth  grader, “There is a larger workload and classes are harder.” There is more homework and classes, leaving less time for after school activities and free time. Students at Ridge would argue that extracurriculars can be just as important as school.  Extracurriculars can earn scholarships for college which could be a life changing opportunity for some students at Ridge. After school activities should be respected as well as schoolwork. 

Less time for extracurriculars is not the only consequence that comes with a ginormous workload. Another major effect is anxiety and mental health issues. Anxiety influences multiple parts of a student’s life, in and out of school. In school, it can affect grades and social life. Research shows that school-related stress reduces motivation to do work, limits academic achievement, and increases the chance of dropping out [1]. Is that really what the school wants to encourage?

Though these problems could have a negative effect, overall, the positives outweigh the few negatives. While there is a bigger workload, it is more fun and free as concluded by many freshmen. 

[1] Jedfoundation.org