Jackson-Madison High Schools host "Freshmen Academy" to introduce students to their new schools

JACKSON, TENN (WNBJ)-

This year all Jackson-Madison county high schools are holding what's called a "Freshman Academy". The idea is to help middle school students better transition to high school.

The three-day academy is from 8 until 11:30 each morning.

“It's a big, big environment. So we hope that they get an idea of what the campus looks like, where their classes, you know, may be, and just a chance to get a little more relaxed where they walk in on day one," said South Side Principle Anita Tucker.

106 students from South Side High School decided to give the optional academy a try.

“I think it's a really good opportunity to do this, to learn the school without everybody else being here. I think it's just like a great opportunity to do that and learn where all the classes are and everything," Aiden Collins said.

“I actually am kind of excited, but I'm also kind of nervous. I just feel like it's going to be more difficult than middle school for sure," added Aydison Dilaworth.

“They all seem to be very excited," Principle Tucker said, "I think one thing they've gotten is now it's like, okay, I'm not as scared as I would have been because I've at least seen the campus and I've gotten a lot of questions answered, and so I'm ready to go.”

And after taking part in freshman academy, these students certainly seem ready for what's ahead

Emma Murray said, “I'm mainly excited, like about just like the challenge, especially in writing because I wasn't really like doing as much in middle school and I really love like writing essays and stuff.”

“It's going to be different," said Lafanta Camara, "because…you'll be in a class with different people because like in middle school you're going to class with the same people, but here you're going to have different people in your class.”

“The band program. I've been doing marching band camp this week and it's been really fun," Murray said.

“sports. Football," Collins said, “I mean, like, I just want to know how it’s going to be. Like big step from middle school.”

“I don't think it'll be as difficult as I thought it would be," said Dilaworth, “I’m already playing basketball and volleyball this year.”

Students return to school on August 8th.

Freshmen who attended the academy say they are grateful for the chance to get a jump start on the transition to high school.