The Transition from Elementary to Secondary School: Lived Experiences of Grade 9 Students

Abstract

Emerging adolescence (12 to 15 years old) is a critical life period, as individuals experience many different changes in their social lives, which consequently impact their emotional self. Simply put, adolescent students experience many life transitions that can influence their emotional well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents’ perceptions of and lived experiences with their transition from elementary to secondary school. The research question that guided this study was: what are adolescents' perceptions about their experience of the transition from elementary (Grade 8) to secondary school (Grade 9)? This qualitative study collected data from three Grade 9 male students who were recruited from a private secondary school in Southern Ontario. As part of a survey, nine open-ended questions were answered by study participants in a virtual format. A thematic analysis revealed two main topics across participants’ experiences: social support and coping with stress. Findings revealed that adolescent males experienced academic, emotional, and social challenges in their transition from elementary and secondary school, and that emotional well-being plays an important role for this demographic during this transition. Overall, this study provides a novel and unique insight into adolescent males’ lived experiences during and their emotional well- being through the transition to secondary school. Future research and mental health programs should consider the importance of male adolescent perspectives during this educational transition and other schooling experiences.