David Dennis, 14, sitting in a science class at Middletown High School last month, has found the move to high school easier than expected. In the background is fellow freshman Jamie Steele, 14.

Gigi DeBarros, 14, far right, sings with the chorus Wednesday at Lincoln School in Providence. Gigi has found the move from public school to private difficult, but says it’s getting easier. “It is not anything I can’t do,” she says.

Adam Littlefield, 14, left, works with his friend Matt Phipps on a problem in a Western civilization class at South Kingstown High School. Adam is in the honors program.