Lydian Academy was recently featured in San Francisco Magazine. Read the profile in full below:

For fall 2021, Lydian Academy will open its second location in Burlingame. “After seeing the growth in Menlo Park over the past 15 years, and what being a student at Lydian has meant to our community, we thought now is the time to expand up the Bay Area Peninsula,” said Frecceri.

Lydian serves middle and high school students providing them with a unique opportunity to tailor their educational path. Instead of being in a classroom that may not suit their needs, students learn one-on-one, paired with expert instructors specializing in their subject. 

Lydian offers courses of study for advanced placement students, students in need of credit remediation, neurodiverse learners with diagnosed learning differences or health challenges, gifted and 2e students, and athletes and performers in need of flexible scheduling while simultaneously pursuing a rigorous college-preparatory education. Lydian Academy is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 

The new Burlingame campus will be led by Christiana Cassio, who possesses 10 years of experience in one-on-one education. “I have seen firsthand the impact of compassionate, student-centric education in a personalized school and how life-changing it is for students and their families,” said Cassio.

Both Lydian campuses are currently accepting students for the 2021-2022 school year and will continue with rolling admissions throughout the year. With a combined 20 years of educational experience, Freccari and Cassio are excited to partner together in this new venture to grow and honor the legacy of Lydian Academy. 

Transitioning to a new school can be a great choice for students and a new opportunity to find a school environment that is a better fit for your child. All changes present challenges, and it is normal for students to feel some stress and anxiety about moving to a new school.

If you are wondering how to help your child adjust to a new school, these tips can ease the transition and set your student up for success.

1. Engage Your Child Early

We all need time to adjust to major life changes, and changing schools is as important as changing jobs or moving from your house. Some families are facing all of these changes at once and planning ahead is essential for everyone.

Talk to your child about the change as soon as you know it is going to happen. Have many open conversations about their concerns and the positive aspects of changing schools. Letting them know about your plans to support their transition at every step of the way will help them feel more confident and secure.

2. Give Young People Appropriate Choices

All changes are more difficult to accept when we feel that we have no control over what is happening. While parents and guardians need to make major decisions in the best interests of their children, there are many choices that can be appropriately left to the student.

Selecting their own backpack, school clothes, and school supplies can help children and young adults feel prepared and confident about starting a new school. Engaging your young person about choosing electives and college prep courses offered by the school you choose can help them build excitement and view this change as an opportunity.

3. Take a Tour or Attend an Open House

Schedule a tour or contact the schools available to you as soon as possible. Take your child along to learn their way around, find their locker, meet their teachers, and speak to administrators and other students.

You should be welcomed to visit any middle school or high school you are considering for your child. Getting a feel for the learning environment before the first day of school will help your child feel less anxiety and more confidence about getting started on a new adventure.

4. Find a Friend or Student Mentor

Let’s face it. Most of us feel more comfortable entering a new environment when we know someone on the inside. Knowing at least one person who will serve as a guide will help your child adjust to their new school with more confidence.

Look into school programs that match new students with others who have volunteered to help them find their way. Joining an academic club or participating in school events is another way for teenagers to find friends with similar interests before school starts.

5. Maintain Meaningful Routines

You might need to develop a new routine to suit your new morning schedule, but keep former traditions alive as your child navigates this transition. If you ate breakfast as a family in the past, try to continue that habit. Attending school performances, sporting events, and extracurricular activities are other ways to stay involved and keep a close eye on how your child is adjusting.

6. Stay Involved and Connected

A student adjusting to a new school and learning to thrive there may take a few months to fully settle in. Set them up for success with the right school supplies and resources, and keep the lines of communication open with your child and their teachers. The more you engage with your child’s school, the clearer your view of the values, new initiatives, and educational methods being used. Your involvement shows your child that you are truly committed to their success.

Every Student Can Thrive in the Right Environment

Not every student is a fit for every school. Many parents are choosing more flexible and individualized schools to help their child realize their educational goals in an environment that supports their unique learning style.

At Lydian Academy, we offer a one-on-one learning experience, using both in-person and online formats, with UC-approved courses and a fully personalized experience for your child. You can sign up for a virtual open house to find out more about how Lydian is shaping learning around the needs and goals of our students.