Should 6th Grade Part of Elementary or Middle School?

 We would argue neither - find out why a Sixth Grade Academy is the perfect option. 

Many educators describe sixth grade as a major crossroads of a child's development. Thus, it would seem important to place sixth graders in the proper environment during this critical period. Curiously, a decades-long debate continues regarding whether sixth graders are better off in elementary school or middle school. At Lexington Christian Academy, we offer a third option – a standalone Sixth Grade Academy.

First, let us consider, what are sixth grade students like? Sixth Graders are transitioning from childhood to adolescence. They are eager to be viewed more like a teen-ager and less like a child. Physically, they are growing and maturing. A sixth grader’s peer group becomes more important than during one’s elementary years. Peer pressure is becoming a powerful force. Although they show signs of maturing, they are still childlike. Probably more importantly, compared to prior generations, our current sixth graders are exposed to more through technology and social media.

Second, let us explore the history of where sixth graders have been placed in school. Over the last century, sixth grade programs moved from elementary schools and included in middle schools. Prior to this transition, sixth graders attended elementary school.  Seventh through ninth grade students attended junior high, which was supposed to bridge the gap between elementary and high schools. In 1970, only 25 percent of sixth graders were placed in middle schools. Since that time, the percent has increased and the majority of school systems include their sixth grade students in their middles schools.  In the last decade, however, families began to see stand-alone Sixth Grade Academies pop up across the country. Families now have three choices to consider for their students.

Now, let us explore the factors families should consider when selecting a school for their rising sixth graders.

Factors Favoring Sixth Grade in Elementary School

BEHAVIOR - Research finds sixth graders in middle school have more behavioral problems than their peers in elementary school. In a highly regarded 2007 study of public school students in North Carolina, Duke University looked at behavior to evaluate whether sixth graders were better off in elementary school or middle school. The study showed that sixth graders attending elementary school were less likely to have discipline problems than those who attended middle school. Moreover, the discrepancy in discipline problems continued through the eighth and ninth grades. Studies have shown that disciplinary problems correspond with low academic achievement.

ACADEMICS - Research also tells us sixth graders in elementary school test higher than those in middle school. The Duke study also considered test scores. The researchers found that sixth graders in elementary school scored higher than their peers in middle school on standardized end-of-grade tests. In addition, a recent study in the Philadelphia school system concurred with the Duke study. According to area’s superintendent, the study showed that sixth graders in elementary schools perform better on standardized tests than those in middle schools. In response, Philadelphia is adjusting their school system structure so that more sixth grade students are part of their elementary schools than their middle schools.

SOCIAL -  Sixth graders who are part of a middle school system co-mingle with older teens, which may have a negative influence on them. Children in the sixth grade are at a point in their lives when their peers easily influence them. Keeping the sixth graders in elementary school gives them another year to mature and be in a better position to confront peer pressure.

SIZE - Middle schools are usually larger than elementary schools. They tend to have a reputation of seeming large, uninviting, and impersonal. Many parents and teachers believe that sixth graders do better in a smaller, more nurturing setting where there are fewer classmates and more one-on-one contact with the teacher.

LOCATION - Middle schools tend to be located further away from home than the neighborhood elementary schools. In part, this is due to public school systems having fewer middle schools than elementary schools. They serve multiple elementary schools therefore, they are located in a strategic location to serve students coming from different areas of the community.

Factors in favor of Sixth Grade in Middle School

EXTRA-CURRICULAR - Sixth graders in middle school have greater access to extracurricular activities. Most middle school programs allow sixth graders to participate in extracurricular activities, such as academic team, band, chorus, drama, and athletic programs.

INDEPENDENCE - Placing sixth grade in middle school allows sixth graders more independence. They rotate classes, have a locker, and receive more freedom than sixth graders who are part of an elementary school program.

ELECTIVES - For the first time in the academic career, sixth grade students who attend a middle school have access to electives. They can choose from fine arts, foreign language, technology, and career-focused programs.

FACTORS FAVORING A SIXTH GRADE ACADEMY 

BEHAVIOR - LCA’s Sixth Grade Academy has seen less behavioral problems than those found in elementary school.

ACADEMICS - LCA’s Sixth Grade Academy is uniquely designed to engage students in the learning process. Students are empowered by teachers to grow and develop important 21st century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity that prepares them for an ever-changing, highly adaptive world.  The curriculum reinforces the basics of the elementary program and prepares students for the rigors of junior high and high school.

SOCIAL - A stand-alone sixth grade academy provides students with an additional year to grow physically, emotionally, and socially. LCA’s Sixth Grade Academy students do not co-mingle with older teens. They have a separate drop-off location, before-school area, and after-school area. Each supervised by an LCA administrator.

SIZE -  LCA’s Sixth Grade Academy has between 100 and 110 in a given year. This provides a 16:1 student to teacher ratio. Educators are able to get to know and love their students. Because of the size, teachers are able to individualize their instruction providing enrichment for those who need more challenge and assistance for those who need more support.

LOCATION -  LCA’s Sixth Grade Academy has between 100 and 110 in a given year. This provides a 16:1 student to teacher ratio. Educators are able to get to know and love their students. Because of the size, teachers are able to individualize their instruction providing enrichment for those who need more challenge and assistance for those who need more support.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR - LCA’s sixth grade students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular programs including academic team, athletic programs, fine arts programs, outreach, robotics teams, and student ambassadors.

INDEPENDENCE - Placing sixth grade in their own academy allows them more independence than elementary school. They rotate classes, have a locker, and receive more freedom than sixth graders who are part of an elementary school program; but still receive guidance and support from their administrators and teachers. 

ELECTIVES - LCA’s Sixth Grade Academy offers an elective wheel. Every six weeks, students rotate to a new elective. The wheel consists of art, digital citizenship, fine arts, robotics, shaped to serve, and world languages. This approach allows students to explore a variety of elective areas and determine which elective path they would prefer as they transition to junior high and high school. 

Conclusion

The sixth grade is a critical time in a child's education because it is a time of physical and emotional transition from childhood to adolescence. The real answer to where a sixth grader belongs depends on the particular sixth grader.

Some children would be better off in middle school because they are mature enough to deal with the extra challenges. Other sixth graders are unprepared for such a drastic change and need the security of an elementary school. And others, like LCA’s sixth graders, want the best of both worlds.

We invite you to learn more about our Sixth Grade Academy and find out why it is truly the “best of both worlds.” Contact the Admissions Office at 859-422-5755 or admissions@lexingtonchristian.org.