The Needs of 6th Graders

 Earlier this week, a massive new research study about the needs of 6th graders was released. It involved 90,000 students, 500 schools and three years.

All of the data that researchers collected and synthesized led to one essential conclusion: the best possible educational situation for a 6th grader is one where they feel old, comfortable and familiar. In essence, the healthiest emotional and most successful academic setting is when they feel like "top dog." The worst possible situation for a 6th grader is one where they are the newest, the youngest and the least familiar, in other words "bottom dog."

According to Anya Kamanetz of NPR, "The researchers found that when students were not the 'bottom dogs,' they reported feeling safer, less bullying, less fighting and a greater sense of belonging."

in the past century, Montessori Elementary programs have been working hard to convince parents that 6th grade is a remarkable year in the Upper Elementary, and that early transfer to Middle School is not in a child's best interest. This study is a validation of our work.

Sixth Grade in Turquesa is a year of transformation, leadership, comfort and exploration. Students complete a year-long exit project unlike anything they've done before or will do again. They are "top dogs," and it is a beautiful thing!
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Read more about the study by visiting this NPR article: here.