Education K-12 and College/University

Our Future Holds Many Possibilities

Middle School 

- Jeffrey Llanes 

In the United States, a middle school is a school for children in the fifth to eighth grades, between the ages of 10 and 13 or 14. ... In Britain, a middle school is a state school that children go to between the ages of 8 or 9 and 12 or 13. Middle schools serve pre-adolescent and young adolescent students between grades 5 and 9, with most in the grades 6-8 range. Middle schools in the upper grade range (7-9) are sometimes referred to as junior high schools. Secondary or high schools enroll students in the upper grades, generally 9-12 with variations. While all middle schools require the four core subjects of English, history, science and math, and a half year of physical education, most students are then allowed to choose from a menu of classes like band, orchestra, chorus, art, home economics, drama and technology. In Lee County, electives vary by middle school. ​The school day is often very different in elementary, middle, and high schools. Unlike elementary schools, where​ ​students​ often stay with one or two​ ​teachers​ ​for most of the school day, middle school is usually the first time in which students change teachers after each class​ of usually about one hour. Students often ​study​ 6​ ​subjects​.​ They will be taught by a different teacher for each subject. The change from a one teacher-all subjects way of teaching helps create more independence for the student. They no longer have the guidance of just one main teacher. Also, students will often have more of a choice in what classes they take. This is mainly in dealing with subjects which are taken in addition to the basic subjects such as Mathematics, English, History and general science. In general, middle school acts as a transition between the elementary school structure where most people are all treated the same and the high school structure where most people are treated as individuals. ​Middle schoolers can expect an increase in homework, and projects and parents should help their children develop skills of independence and responsibility, as teachers and others will expect more from them. But middle school does offer many perks, as well. Students often have more opportunities available to them in middle school. Many middle schools offer after-school clubs, sports teams, and other activities to their students. In addition, many school districts allow high-achieving middle schoolers to take high school courses for credit while still in middle school. Your child's school may also offer opportunities for exchange programs or spring break adventure travel. 

Middle schoolers may also face numerous school rules, school dress codes, social pressures and more. In addition to puberty, middle schoolers face a number of social challenges including bullying, making friends and dealing with other peer problems as well as peer pressure. Parents of tweens should take the time to prepare their children for middle school, as well as learn as much as possible about the middle school their child will attend. Your child's growth and development during the middle school years will set the stage for high school and beyond.