I have a wonderful friend who teaches 7th grade History. When my firstborn was about to embark on her 7th grade year of middle school, my friend shared this wisdom, “Get ready. 7th grade girls cry and they don’t know why. 7th grade boys get mad and they don’t know why.” Beautifully stated!

Middle school is that crazy, awkward time after elementary school when the hormonal onslaught is overwhelming at times. There are days you wonder if you’re treading water in Wild River Country’s Wave Pool with no warning siren signaling the waves are about to begin. Kiddos’ personalities go from sweet to spicy in a matter of seconds. Their bodies morph at varying rates as well. One girl may look like Jennifer Lopez while another still looks like Strawberry Shortcake. One boy sounds like Channing Tatum while another still sounds like Mickey Mouse. Physical and psychological development runs the gamut.

There are many reasons finding the right middle school for your child is such an important decision. They are not elementary children anymore. Times are not as warm and fuzzy and they’re gearing up for making mature decisions about their interests and future plans. The Little Rock Family team wants to provide our beloved readers with the best information possible to benefit their children and families. That’s why we’ve compiled a middle school check list of important considerations along with expert advice from local middle school principals.

School Choices Check List:

  • What is your child’s temperament?
  • What are your child’s interests?
  • What are the most important things you and your child want in a school?
  • Do research on all middle schools you are considering by looking at websites and talking to parents of children who’ve attended the schools, if possible.
  • Visit the school(s) more than once.
  • What are the school’s mission, educational approach, accreditations, and philosophy?
  • What are their discipline and safety measures?
  • Find out ways that parents are involved and how the school communicates with parents.
  • How is grading and homework handled?
  • Is there diversity and a positive school culture?
  • Are the needs of boys and girls addressed?
  • How are social, emotional issues and learning differences addressed?
  • Look at curriculum and extracurricular offerings.
  • Do classrooms look well maintained, positive and students focused on their work?
  • Is student work displayed?
  • Do teachers seem enthusiastic, knowledgeable and well prepared?
  • Are the facilities clean, safe and inviting?
  • Are there art/music, science and technology facilities?
  • Does the school have a gym, playground, or field?
  • What is the school size and teacher/student ratio or class size?
  • Are there before- or after-school programs?
  • What are transportation and meal options?
  • Get copies of all materials such as handbooks, policy statements, etc. before you leave the school visit.

"Start studying your kids around 4th grade. Really pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses and the things that make them unique, not living vicariously through them. Talk to them about what they enjoy and opportunities to develop those interests.

"Middle school is a notoriously tumultuous time, but you can become an anchor for your child through the hormones and the peer pressure. One of the greatest travesties of modern culture is forcing everyone into a mold. Children are beautiful in their uniqueness. Don’t let pop culture squelch that.

"Make sure the middle school you choose is not just interested in test scores, but challenging them academically while also developing the whole child. What is the school’s vision? The world needs great people with character and work ethic. A school should form the foundation of greatness in people. George Washington, Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King, Jr. were great men who did more than they even thought they could."

"I tell parents whatever school you choose, what your child will be going through will be the same. Middle school is a roller coaster ride. Your first thought is not just the physical and mental piece of it, but the safety of your child. Look at the social and moral piece. How involved are the teachers with relationships? Are they helping guide students through times to help them learn to manage?

"I spend time talking to parents about what to expect out of middle school kids. Allow your children to make some mistakes, so they’ll learn to overcome them. Their bodies are going through a lot of changes. They may forget things. Their friendships change. And, technology adds another layer to all of that.

"It can be a fun time, so sit back and enjoy it with a sense of humor. Later, you’ll all have a good laugh together. I tell parents their children WILL want them back."