Supporting students as they move from elementary to high school is one of my favourite parts of my work and something I find incredibly rewarding. It’s a time filled with possibility, but also with anxiety, especially for families of students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
I’ve attended hundreds of transition meetings, and a common theme I hear from parents is:
“I feel like I’m going to be out of the loop.”
“I heard teachers don’t follow the IEP in high school.”
“It was easier to communicate in elementary school.”
Yes, elementary and high school environments are very different. But here’s the good news: many secondary school educators truly appreciate collaboration with families, especially when it comes to students with exceptional learning needs.
With the right planning and communication, your child’s transition can be smoother and more positive than you think.
🔑 Start Early — And Make Sure It’s in the IEP
Transition planning is more than a helpful strategy. It is a requirement under Ontario’s PPM 156.
If your child has an IEP, the Transition Plan section should already be part of it.
This portion of the IEP should include early, specific, and measurable goals that support your child’s move to high school, starting in Grade 7 and even as early as Grade 6 for students with more complex needs.
✅ Possible Transition Goals Might Include:
- Attending school events or activities at the high school
- Learning assistive tech tools used in high school (try modeling high school-style routines early)
- Practicing locker routines or schedule reading
(Tip: mastering a combination lock can be a big stressor. Many schools now issue locks. If your child struggles with a standard lock, ask if a one-digit lock is an option.) - Building familiarity with the physical space or rotating-teacher structure
If your child’s IEP doesn’t yet have a Transition Plan or hasn’t been updated recently, you can request an IEP review. Collaboration is key. And if the elementary school’s special education team has limited experience with high school transitions, bring your own ideas to the table. It’s okay to advocate.
Even for students without IEPs, many family of schools organize transition opportunities:
- Intramural tournaments
- Drama performances, art exhibits
- Feeder school welcome visits or assemblies
These visits build comfort, confidence, and curiosity.
📅 Summer Orientation Matters
Most high schools host a Grade 9 orientation day the week before Labour Day.
I always recommend families block off the last week of August and avoid travel if possible so your child can attend.
On orientation day, students often receive:
- Their schedule and locker info
- A school tour
- Icebreaker events and student swag
📱 Tip: Have your child save a photo of their schedule to their phone’s home screen. A map photo also helps them navigate easily in the first week.
If your child is anxious or needs extra time to adjust, consider requesting a pre-orientation visit. I’ve helped coordinate many quiet, small-group walk-throughs. They are often game-changers, but be aware these usually rely on staff volunteering their time before school officially starts.
🧩 Building Connection Early
Once the semester begins, take the initiative to connect with teachers. Staff email lists are usually posted on school websites.
✉️ In your email, include:
- A brief introduction
- Which accommodations or strategies have worked well in the past
- A screenshot of key sections of the IEP (like the Accommodations page)
- A few of your child’s interests or recent wins to help the teacher make a personal connection
Even a short message like this opens the door and helps teachers support your child more effectively from day one.
🏫 Parent Strategies for a Smoother Transition
✅ Start Early in Grade 6 or 7
Encourage participation in high school-linked events, visits, or leadership programs.
✅ Create Shared, Positive Experiences
Attend a school play, art night, or sports game together. These simple outings make the building feel more familiar.
✅ Save Key Info
Have your child save their class schedule and a school map on their phone or print a quick-reference card.
✅ Request Support Visits
Ask about a walk through before orientation if your child would benefit from a quieter introduction.
✅ Open the Lines of Communication
Email teachers during the first week. Share insights and let them know you’re a partner in your child’s journey.
📣 Final Thoughts
The transition to high school is a major milestone, not just for your child but for you as a parent. Your role evolves but remains essential. When you advocate early, communicate clearly, and build supportive relationships, you help set the stage for your child’s success.
If you’d like help with transition planning, creative support strategies, or how to collaborate with your school team, I’d love to connect.
♥️ Lisa
