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School and education for parents

Middle school transition

The move from elementary school to middle school, a change of building, routines and often friendships that a child and family can prepare for.

What It Means

The middle school transition is the move from elementary school into middle school. Back-to-school advice from the U.S. Department of Education notes the move asks children to make adjustments, and HealthyChildren.org notes that friendships can shift in middle school. The grade where middle school starts depends on your district, so check when the move happens for your child.

Try It: Step Through the Middle School Move

Pick a point in the move to see what to do then. Buhata's suggestion, built on HealthyChildren.org and U.S. Department of Education back-to-school advice.

Spring before

Find the orientation and visit dates, and ask how an IEP or 504 plan moves to the new school.

How Parents Say It

  • "He's nervous about switching classes every period."
  • "We went to sixth grade orientation last night."
  • "She can't get her locker open."

The Breakdown

A timeline for the move (Buhata's suggestion, built on HealthyChildren.org and Department of Education advice)

WhenWhat to do
Spring beforeNote the orientation and visit dates; if your child has an IEPIEPAn IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the written plan a public school makes for a child who qualifies for special education under IDEA. See more or 504 plan504 planA school's plan of supports for a student whose disability substantially limits a major life activity, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. See more, ask how it moves to the new school
SummerVisit the building together, and go to the parent orientation
A week or two beforeShift bedtime earlier and set a consistent one; keep home routines steady
First weeksCoach your child to ask teachers for help on their own
First monthsNotice how friendships are changing and who your child spends time with

Signs to watch (Buhata's suggestion). A child who still dreads school after the first few weeks, avoids friends, or has trouble sleeping may need more support. So does one whose grades drop sharply or who mentions being picked on, in person or online.

When to talk to the school or a doctor. Talk to the school counselor or a teacher if worry or slipping grades last past the first weeks, and to your child's pediatrician if sleep, appetite or mood change and don't settle.

Good to Know

HealthyChildren.org and the U.S. Department of Education both suggest a visit to the school and the orientation before the first day, steady routines at home, and a bedtime moved earlier a week or two ahead. Both also stress letting a child practice asking for help, since a parent who manages every problem leaves less room for the child to become independent. If your child talks about suicide or harming themselves, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and call 911 in an emergency.

FAQ

How can I help my child get ready for middle school?

Go to the orientation, visit the building before the first day, and keep routines steady at home. Start moving bedtime earlier a week or two before school begins.

Does an IEP carry over to middle school?

Ask the school team in the spring how the plan will move to the new school and who your child's contact will be there. Buhata's IEP page covers how IEP meetingsIEP meetingThe meeting where a child's IEP team, parents included, writes or reviews the child's special education plan under IDEA. See more work.

Is it normal for friendships to change in middle school?

Yes, friendships often shift then. Get to know who your child spends time with, and talk to the school if you see signs of bullying.

Do It in Buhata

Calendar, Reminders, Tasks

Put the orientation date and the first day on the Buhata Calendar, with a Reminder two weeks before to start moving bedtime earlier.

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Related Terms and Categories

  • Puberty

    The years when a child's body matures into an adult's, usually starting between about 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, per Cleveland Clinic.

  • Cyberbullying

    Bullying that happens through phones, computers, tablets and games, such as cruel messages, rumors, embarrassing posts or pretending to be someone.

  • Sleep schedule

    The set times a person goes to bed and gets up each day, planned so they get the hours of sleep recommended for their age.

  • Extracurricular activities

    Organized activities a child does outside regular class time, like sports, music, clubs or scouts, usually after school or on weekends.

  • Back-to-school night

    An evening event early in the school year where parents visit the school, meet teachers and hear the class routines and expectations for the year.

School and education for parents

Sources

American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, "Back-to-School Tips for Families"; HealthyChildren.org, "Helping Your Teen Succeed in School"; U.S. Department of Education, "Back to School: 7 Ways to Help Kids Transition Back to the Classroom"; 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Last updated .