Marvelous Middle School Facts: Every Student Should Read This

In the United States, middle school refers to the years between elementary school and high school.

Middle school, which is also sometimes referred to as an intermediate school or junior high school, comprises the grades fifth-eighth, sixth-eighth, seventh-eighth, or seventh-ninth, depending on the school in the US. These years are considered very important in framing the conceptual and mental development of a child.

Middle school days mark a shift in the child's life which could be difficult to cope with. It is in this phase that students are on their own.

They get different teachers, and the focus is more on individual subjects. Their school day comprises as many as six classes of different subjects, organized by teachers specialized in that particular subject. They also experience changes in their hormones, changing bodies, insecurities, and a growing need of independence.

Middle School Teachers

The transition phase from elementary to middle school is significant in many aspects, and one of these is the teachers in these schools. It is interesting to note that eight out of 10 middle school teachers are female in the US.

While in elementary school, there is just one teacher or two, in middle school, there is one teacher for each subject.

This is the time when students evolve from learning the basics to studying different subjects in-depth. That is why; it is imperative for these teachers to be specialized in one subject and have comprehensive teaching skills and abilities to be able to help inquisitive and intelligent students.

Their role is indispensable in preparing students emotionally and academically for the next stage of their lives.

The average salary of a middle school teacher in the U.S. is $55,470. Middle school teachers are believed to have a stressful but rewarding career in imparting education to growing kids.

Some statistics suggest that 45% of teachers drop out of teaching middle and elementary school students within the first five years because of the stress. However, some statistics also say that almost 80% of middle school teachers spend a large portion of their career in just one school.

Government Involvement In Middle Schools

In the US, the government has a substantial role to play in middle school education. Basically, both the state and the national governments share their power over public education, with the states holding most of the control. The US Federal Government exercises its control over the state and district schools through the Department of Education in the US.

There are a large number of non-profit private schools that operate largely independently of the government. The decisions here are made by the voluntary regional associations. Overall, the government’s involvement in middle school education, in particular, is limited, but an impressive sum of money is spent every year by the US government, both total and per student.

Types Of Middle School

The concept of this middle or junior high school came to the US much later. There was a time when the local public control, as well as the private alternatives, looked for changes in the organization of schools that would mark the transitory phase in the kids’ lives too.

There are no specific types of these schools as such, but depending upon the particular schools, the grades vary. So, they can have fifth-eighth, sixth-eighth, seventh-eighth, or seventh-ninth grades. The middle schools, especially when they comprise seventh through ninth, are popularly referred to as junior high schools.

The range of grades is usually based on demographic factors such as a rise or fall in the relative number of younger or older students. The idea is to maintain stable school populations.

In middle or junior high schools, kids are given more independence in moving from one classroom to another to attend classes in different subjects, such as language, science, math, and social studies.

Middle Schools Around The World

Although elementary schools and high schools are most commonly found in countries around the world, the concept of middle school is not uncommon either. Students start their journey from the elementary stage, and at the high school level, they are keener on specializing in a particular subject.

In between, there is the middle school in the life of a child, and it is essential as it marks a smooth transition from the elementary stage to the high school stage.

Apart from the US, junior high schools are found in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and England. In some countries, the grades are clearly defined, while in others, they vary. In Asia, too, the importance of these schools before a student steps into high school is being highly recognized.

Middle school is fun! It cannot be denied that this is a crucial transitional phase in the life of a middle schooler when they form ideas and develop opinions about the world around them. The right guidance from teachers and parents can help children shape a better tomorrow.

FAQs

What are the good things about middle school?

The best thing about middle school is that it prepares a child for the next phase of life. Middle school marks the transition phase in children's lives from learning to finding academic guidance in life. This is the time students form their ideas of the future and decide on their course of higher studies and career.

What are some tips for middle school?

Some essential tips for middle school students are:

Establishing discipline in the daily routine.

Take extra classes and explore different career options.

Keeping old friends close while making new ones.

Delving deeper into one's skills and discovering their true passion.

Learning about constructive communication and focusing on cognitive developments.

Sharing experiences and anxieties with parents.

Learning about the important aspects of life, like health, finances, and relationships.

How does summer school work in middle school?

Summer schools offer a great opportunity for students to engage in multiple activities, both indoor and outdoors, apart from their studies. Middle school children, too, get the opportunity to attend summer school with various fun learning activities.

How to become a middle school teacher?

To become a middle school teacher, one needs to complete a bachelor's degree in a specific subject and have experience teaching students for a few weeks. Different states in the US have different requirements.

What are the passing grades in middle school?

In the US middle school education, 'D' is the passing grade for students, and it is between 59% and 69%. The highest is 'A' while 'F' is the failing grade.