Middle-high school combinations are gaining in popularity.
Across the country, schools are configured in various ways. Some school districts have single-grade schools while others have all grades on one campus. Combining middle schools with high schools begs the question, "What are the benefits?" The answer lies somewhere between saving money and improving student education. Many districts have switched from the traditional junior high school structure to the middle school structure, but the middle -- high school concept is gaining favor.
Socialization
A middle-school program prepares students for high school and is geared to social development for each age level. The difference in the maturity levels from middle to high school students does not provide opportunities for social interaction between the two age groups. The influence of more mature students on less mature ones may have an undesirable effect of encouraging younger students to emulate any negative behavior, such as substance abuse or early sexual encounters.
Transitions
Combination schools are catching on across the country. While some educators believe that reconfiguring grade levels facilitates the transition between middle school and high school, some parents have reservations about their impressionable children being negatively influenced by older students. In addition to allowing teachers to help troubled students before problems become more serious, some professionals believe that reconfiguration will mean students have fewer transitions, resulting in less anxiety. As a result, students may retain more of what they learned the previous year.
Economics
Combining middle schools and high schools may save school districts money. An example of such a reconfiguration is the school district in East Bridgewater, Mass., that will qualify as a model when it builds a new school to accommodate both levels. It will qualify for a higher reimbursement rate from the state as well as lower building costs because of the increase in student population.
Achievement
Courses offerings at a combination middle -- high school would change, and the number of students in each grade level could affect how well students learn. An advantage is that younger students who learn more rapidly than age-mates would have access to more advanced classes. Additionally, school environment may distract younger students who are accustomed to a more elementary setting, but, ideally, high school students could mentor and be role models for younger students.
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