Benefits of K-8 for Middle Schoolers

Students in a Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 School behave differently than students who have been schooled in an elementary (K-5) followed by a separate middle school setting. The older students take on the role of protector and role model. They recognize the importance of demonstrating maturity while they assist in nurturing the youngest students. At the same time, our middle school students enjoy the opportunity to remain, children, until they are fully prepared for the high school experience. They do not have to establish new reputations upon entering middle school and instead of being the youngest students in the school they are now among the leaders of the school. This is a safe setting where middle schoolers are given the opportunity to become confident, capable, creative, responsible, and respectful young adults.
 
A PreK-8 setting cultivates an atmosphere of teamwork between parents, faculty, and students to achieve academic success while supporting students as they encounter a variety of challenges.  Each member of the faculty at Mother of Providence knows almost everyone in the building, and the middle-grade teachers regularly speak with other faculty members regarding a student’s history, learning style, and family dynamic. These relationships develop a support system for families because our teachers care and are dedicated to the success of the individual child. Teachers remain connected to students as they grow from small children into young adults and foster a sense of community that will impact our students for a lifetime.
 
Research done by Cheri Pierson Yecke for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute discussed results from separate studies in Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Baltimore concerning academic achievements in different school models. All three studies demonstrated quantifiable positive results when comparing the outcomes of students who attended K-8 schools versus the traditional K-5 school followed by 6-8 school environment. Students showed higher academic achievement and significantly higher scores on standardized tests. They also had higher levels of participation in extracurricular activities, demonstrated greater leadership skills, and were less likely to be involved in physical violence, bullying, and other unacceptable behaviors. Finally, K-8 school students were also more likely to be enrolled in selective high school programs and demonstrated a higher GPA in 9th Grade.  Her complete work can be read at http://www.edexcellencemedia.net/publications/2005/200509_mayheminthemiddle/2960_MayhemFINAL.pdf
 
A second study by Martin R. West and Guido Schwedt that looked at schools in New York City and Florida found that moving to a middle school causes a substantial drop in student test scores which continue to decline in subsequent years. It was also found that these students did not catch up with those students who remained in the K-8 environment once they have all entered high school. The full article, “The Middle School Plunge” can be read at https://www.educationnext.org/the-middle-school-plunge/

While separate middle school settings have become the norm, it should be noted that the separate middle school model was designed to accommodate demographic pressures. The benefits of a  PreK – 8 setting is undeniable and we appreciate the opportunity to educate and support our students as they experience changes and challenges during the middle school years in the nurturing environment at Mother of Providence.