Middle School

What Happens in Middle School?

Middle school (also known in some places as junior high or intermediate school) is the step in education between elementary or grammar school and high school (secondary school). Middle schools usually host students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades, or around the ages of 11 to 13. This is the level of schooling for preteens.

Some schools include fifth grade or ninth grade, and some, usually called junior high schools, house seventh and eighth-graders or grades seven through nine. To make it even more confusing, some school districts have both middle schools and junior high schools in an attempt to ease overcrowding at other schools.

Middle schools funnel students from several different elementary schools together to form their student body. This can be a positive thing because it allows you to make new friends, but because the school is so much bigger you might not see your old friends as often as you are used to.

Classes tend to be a bit more structured and ask more of the students in junior high compared to elementary school. Middle school is designed to prepare students for the structure and demands of high school. You'll probably be taking more classes, have more homework and feel more pressure to do well than you did in elementary school.

What to Expect

Middle school can be very intimidating. It's a big building, or multiple buildings, that you aren't comfortable with and don't know your way around. You might get lost on your way to class in the beginning.

You'll have a locker to keep your books in and will have to learn to juggle a class schedule that has you running all over the building. As mentioned earlier, you might find that classes are more difficult than they were in elementary school and that you have a lot more homework. It may seem like none of your teachers realize you are taking other classes!

The social situation is a lot different from elementary school as well. All those students from different schools were used to the hierarchy where they came from, but a new group of cool kids may emerge from the pack when all the students come together. Add to that people who gossip, your first crush and the effects of puberty and it can make for some tense situations.

Making the Transition

Of course some kids have no problem transitioning to middle school. Some kids like the added pressure, the new friends, different classes and experiences. Others may be nervous at first but will quickly adapt to the new situation.

If you're going to middle school soon (or are already there) and are worried about anything that might happen, talk to your parents. They can help you come up with a plan for navigating the school, making friends, dealing with bullies, or anything else that might be worrying you.

If you're a parent, try talking to your child about his or her fears, but don't press too much if he or she doesn't want to talk. Try slipping a copy of this article in your child's backpack and see what happens.

If you notice that your child is having trouble, or start getting notes home from school, don't be afraid to contact your child's teachers to find out what is going on. Middle school teachers are not as accessible as elementary school teachers, but they still have your child's success at heart and should be willing to talk to you about any problems your child is having.

Do what you can to keep your child organized and make sure homework is getting done. As much as possible, be open and willing to help your child with anything. This may help keep the lines of communication open.

The middle school transition can be exciting, scary, fun and traumatic for both parents and children. If you work together and keep talking to each other, though, it can be a good experience for everyone.