Finding Their Place: Ninth Graders Reflect on Their Transition to High School at Da Vinci
From first-day nerves to new friendships and growing confidence, Da Vinci freshmen share their experiences navigating the transition from middle school to high school.
Ask a Da Vinci freshman what they were most nervous about before the first day of high school, and you’ll hear everything from making new friends to finding their way around a new campus to keeping up with a bigger workload. Ask them how it’s going now, two months in, and the answer is almost always the same: better than they ever expected.
Just last spring, our freshmen were the oldest students on their middle school campuses. Today, they’re the newest faces across our five Da Vinci high schools, and they’re already proving that a new beginning can be the start of something great.
“The school feels almost like a family.” — Logan W., Da Vinci Communications
Transitioning from middle school to high school is an exciting milestone filled with new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. For many students, it means leaving behind familiar routines, meeting new classmates, adjusting to new academic expectations, and discovering how they belong. It is a big step, and one that students and families often think about long before the first day of ninth grade.
At Da Vinci Schools, we want every student to feel welcome, supported, and connected as they transition to high school. Our small, close-knit learning communities, strong relationships with teachers and staff, and intentional opportunities to connect with classmates help students build confidence, explore their interests, and find their place from the very beginning. We believe students do their best when they feel known, valued, and part of a community where they can be themselves.
Now, two months into the 2026–27 school year, members of the Class of 2030 are reflecting on their transition to high school. We spoke with ninth-grade students from Da Vinci Communications, Da Vinci Connect High, Da Vinci Design, Da Vinci Science, and The Levitt Lab at Da Vinci Connect to hear firsthand about their experiences and the people and opportunities that have helped them feel at home.
Choosing Their Da Vinci Experience
Students come to Da Vinci from a variety of educational backgrounds, including neighboring districts, our own Da Vinci Connect TK8, private schools, and other charter schools. Many students continue their learning journey from Wiseburn Middle School, having attended schools within the Wiseburn Unified School District since TK. As Wiseburn’s resident high schools, Da Vinci Schools cares deeply about offering a natural next step for all our students.
Students and families have choices when it comes to finding the Da Vinci experience that’s right for them. They can attend one of three five-day, on-campus schools (Da Vinci Communications, Design, or Science) or choose a hybrid model that blends on-campus and off-campus learning at Da Vinci Connect High or The Levitt Lab at Da Vinci Connect. Each offers a distinct learning environment where students can pursue their interests, build on their strengths, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prepare for college, career, and life.
No matter which path brings them to Da Vinci, students become part of a welcoming community built around meaningful relationships, individual growth, and a shared sense of belonging. That commitment to knowing students and creating a place where they can thrive is an important part of the Da Vinci experience.
Finding a Sense of Belonging
For many incoming freshmen, one of the biggest uncertainties about starting high school is making new friends and finding their place in an unfamiliar environment. Will I know anyone? Will I fit in? Will my teachers know who I am? These are questions nearly every eighth grader asks before the first day.
Logan W., a Da Vinci Communications freshman who came to Da Vinci from Wiseburn Middle School, remembers feeling nervous about beginning high school without many of his close friends.
“I was really nervous about starting at a new school because a lot of my friends were going to Da Vinci Science. I didn’t know many people coming into Communications, but as soon as I arrived, I met so many great people. I really like my teachers, and the school feels almost like a family.” Logan W., Da Vinci Communications
Logan also credits Da Vinci’s smaller learning environment with helping him succeed academically. He shared that his grades have improved since middle school and appreciates the opportunity for teachers to provide individualized attention. Because Da Vinci’s schools are intentionally small, teachers get to know their students well and can support them in ways that are harder to do on a larger campus. Those relationships help students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking help, and knowing there are adults in their corner.
For Lila H., a ninth grader at Da Vinci Science, the transition brought an entirely new experience. Previously homeschooled, Lila was initially nervous about attending a traditional school and meeting classmates who already knew one another.
“Going from homeschooling to a traditional school environment was a big transition, but everyone has been so welcoming. It’s made the experience much easier.” Lila H., Da Vinci Science
Although making friends was challenging at first, Lila quickly discovered a welcoming community and began building meaningful friendships.
At Da Vinci Design, Xavier B., another Wiseburn Middle School alum, has experienced a similarly positive transition.
“Da Vinci Design has been a really welcoming school. I’m having fun, meeting lots of new friends, and learning something new every day.” Xavier B., Da Vinci Design
When asked what surprised him most about high school, Xavier’s response was simple: “What surprised me the most is how friendly everyone is. People have been even more welcoming than I expected.”
These experiences reflect the importance of creating school environments where students feel comfortable being themselves, building relationships, and embracing new opportunities. Whether students arrive with a group of friends or don’t know a single person on campus, they deserve to feel that there is a place for them at Da Vinci.
Building Confidence and Independence
While starting high school brings excitement and new friendships, it also comes with greater independence, increased academic responsibilities, and new expectations. For many ninth graders, this is the first time they are juggling multiple classes, extracurricular commitments, and long-term projects all at once.
Across all five of Da Vinci’s high schools, students are learning to navigate these changes while developing important skills in time management, accountability, and self-directed learning.
At Da Vinci Science, Emmanuel W., who also came to Da Vinci from Wiseburn Middle School, shared that balancing academics and athletics has been one of his biggest adjustments.
“My high school experience has been pretty good so far. Classes are becoming more challenging, but I know I can handle it.” Emmanuel W., Da Vinci Science
To manage his responsibilities, he has been working on completing his schoolwork as soon as he gets home so he has more time for sports—a simple habit that reflects the planning and self-discipline many freshmen are developing.
At The Levitt Lab at Da Vinci Connect, students are adjusting to a learning environment that emphasizes flexibility and independence. Jaden R., who previously attended WISH Charter Middle School, shared that working in a nontraditional setting has required him to take greater ownership of his coursework.
“Working independently has its advantages and disadvantages, but I’m learning how to make it work for me.” Jayden R., The Levitt Lab at Da Vinci Connect
His classmate Liam D., who was previously homeschooled, appreciates the flexibility and personalized approach of The Levitt Lab’s curriculum.
“I love how The Levitt Lab has designed its curriculum. It’s a groundbreaking approach to learning, and I think the overall experience has been awesome.” Liam D., The Levitt Lab at Da Vinci Connect
Like many freshmen, Liam is also learning to manage a larger workload and stay on top of assignments outside the classroom.
At Da Vinci Connect High, Christopher G., who previously attended El Segundo Middle School, has been adjusting to the responsibilities of a hybrid learning schedule.
“The biggest adjustment has been keeping up with different assignments, especially on asynchronous days. I’ve had to get used to completing my work independently without someone constantly reminding me what to do.” Christopher G., Da Vinci Connect High
Christopher credits his teachers and counselors, especially his advisory teachers, with helping him feel welcomed, connected, and supported as he navigates these new responsibilities.
The transition to high school doesn’t mean having everything figured out right away. It’s a time to learn, ask for help, and build confidence. At Da Vinci, students are encouraged to take on new challenges while knowing they have teachers, counselors, and other caring adults to turn to along the way.
Building Connections Beyond the Classroom
At Da Vinci, new ninth-graders have many opportunities to build friendships and feel connected—from Wolf Pack Day orientation to multi-grade advisory groups, extracurricular activities that bring students from across the schools together, and traditions like the Freshman Overnighter.
Led by upper-grade student leaders and attended by all ninth-grade teachers and school leaders, the Freshman Overnighter gives incoming students an opportunity to build friendships, get to know their teachers, and begin forming connections that help them feel at home in their new school community.
For many ninth graders, the overnighter has been a memorable part of their transition. Helena B., a Da Vinci Design freshman who previously attended St. Catherine Labouré, shared how the experience helped her make friends early in the school year.
“The freshman overnighter was so much fun! I actually met the friends who became my main friend group there, so it really helped me feel connected before starting high school.” Helena B., Da Vinci Design
Lila H. at Da Vinci Science had a similar experience.
“The freshman overnighter was so much fun! I feel like that’s where I made my whole friend group. Getting to spend time with other freshmen and getting to know everyone made me feel much more comfortable.” Lila H., Da Vinci Science
For Mia W., a Da Vinci Communications freshman and Wiseburn Middle School alum, the overnighter was a chance to step outside her comfort zone and make new memories.
“The freshman overnighter was so much fun, and I’m really glad I went! We got to do activities like the slide and giant swing. I was nervous about the giant swing at first, but once I tried it, I had an amazing time.” Mia W., Da Vinci Communications
Everyday interactions also help students feel welcomed and supported. At Da Vinci Connect High, Esther W., who was previously homeschooled, appreciates the school’s inclusive community.
“My experience at Da Vinci has been really good so far. It’s such a supportive environment, and even though keeping up with assignments can sometimes be challenging, I’m finding my way.” Esther W., Da Vinci Connect High
Esther described the school’s culture as “very supportive and inclusive,” adding that staff genuinely want to see students succeed.
At The Levitt Lab, Jayden R. also highlighted the importance of an inclusive community.
“Da Vinci has a really diverse and inclusive community. At The Levitt Lab, you can see that inclusivity in the way everyone interacts. Our guides, Donald and Arcie, make an effort to include everyone and help us feel like we belong.” Jayden R., The Levitt Lab at Da Vinci Connect
From shared experiences like the Freshman Overnighter to everyday interactions with peers and supportive adults, these connections help freshmen build a sense of belonging and a strong foundation for high school.
Advice for the Next Generation of Da Vinci Students
As the Class of 2030 settles into a high school rhythm, students have some advice for current eighth graders preparing to make the transition next year.
For some, the most important advice is to embrace new friendships and opportunities. Avia E., a Da Vinci Design freshman who previously attended Da Vinci Connect TK-8, encourages incoming students to step outside their comfort zones.
“Try your best to make new friends. Even if you’re coming to high school with friends from middle school, don’t be afraid to branch out and meet new people.” Avia E., Da Vinci Design
Mia shared a similar perspective, encouraging students to maintain existing friendships while staying open to meeting new people. Others emphasized the importance of academic responsibility, confidence, and being yourself.
“Be yourself, stay focused, and make sure you’re always learning.” Xavier B., Da Vinci Design
For Logan, the biggest lesson has been approaching high school with confidence rather than trying to blend in.
“A lot of people tell you to keep your head down and try to fit in when you start high school, but I think you should do the opposite. Keep your head high, be confident, and let people get to know who you really are. That’s how you make meaningful connections.” Logan W., Da Vinci Communications
And for Lila, who was once nervous about entering an entirely new school environment, the message is reassuring:
“Don’t be scared! I was really nervous before starting high school, but looking back, I didn’t need to be. Be confident, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to meet new people.” Lila H., Da Vinci Science
Come As You Are: Become a Future Da Vincian!
Inspired by our students’ stories? Explore the five unique high school experiences Da Vinci offers, from five-day, on-campus schools to hybrid learning models.
New student applications for 2027–28 open November 1, 2026!
Visit our enrollment webpage to explore our schools, learn about information sessions and tours, and find out how to apply.
Beginning November 1, click the orange Apply Now button at davincischools.org.
Sound like you? You might just be a Future Da Vincian!
🎥 Hear directly from our freshmen! We asked ninth graders across our five Da Vinci high schools to reflect on their transition to high school, share their experiences so far, and offer advice to future Da Vinci students. Watch what they had to say!
