Talk honestly with your student about your expectations for academic performance. But IMSA also encourages students to assess their own ability and get help when it is needed. It is a fine line to know how long to wait for the student to come for help. You can play an effective role by encouraging your student to schedule an appointment with a teacher. Finally, IMSA teachers may have different expectations from many public school teachers.
Classes are smaller.
Exams are much more demanding. Students have to show what they have learned, not just spew out facts. All of the students in your son or daughter's classes now were strong students before. If your student's self-esteem depends on being at the top of their class, they may have to find other areas in which they excel. They may find this scary at first - and very energizing, exciting, and positive over the long haul.