"It's fun, bigger, more friends, and easier than 6th grade."
--Lady, 13

"The biggest difference between elementary school and middle school is the way people interact with each other. Some people's personalities change, too. Not all, but some. Some people become more dignified, some more shy and nervous. People talk to each other in a whole different way in middle school. The best way to deal with it is to ease into it. The whole shock of change is big, but if you take it slowly and surely, your interactions and knowledge of people will improve."
--Natalie, 12

"Changing in gym! You change in front of other people. I was scared the first few times but after a while I got used to it. The best way to deal with it is to just do what you have to do and leave. You wont feel as bad if you hurry."
--Crystalyn, 12

"To me, middle school is so amazing! We have the option to meet new people, change classes, and have good relationships with friends from different elementary schools. My school is fun. I wish we didn't have summer vacation. I'm looking forward to all the activities that are ahead like computer club, tutoring, school sports, etc. We don't just learn, we also have fun because of the great staff. Even though I'm only going into the second year of middle school I'm looking forward to it because of all of the fun ahead of me."
--Samantha, 11

"The biggest difference I think is the way people dress and act. All these girls start wearing really short skirts and belly shirts and makeup. They also start hanging out in bad groups that make fun of other 'less popular' people. I just ignore it and hang out with my friend because all those girls just have other girls and not real friends."
--Jordi, 12

"All the people are very hard to deal with, but then they warm up to you. I made friends with all the 8th graders."
--MeMe, 13

"I think that the biggest difference is the fact that the teachers don't cut you any slack. It doesn't matter if you're on vacation or sick, they still give you work. In elementary, they would say 'Oh that's okay,' if you forgot something."
--Alyssa, 11

Hello, I'm going into 7th grade. This will be my third year in middle school. I have had no problem getting to class on time. Middle school is, in my opinion, more fun than elementary school. If you are starting middle school this upcoming year, don't be afraid. Just manage your time well, and you will do fine."
--Samantha, 12

"Dear anyone that reads this, middle school is not that bad. Yes it is different, but I dealt with it my first 2 years, and I am still going strong and so can you. Be strong this year, and do your best!"
--Tabatha, 13

"Middle school is great. It is so fun. Most middle schools don't have recess, and many don't have study hall, but don't think you can't make friends, you can. Meeting friends is easy. You talk in the hallways, before class, lunch and field trips. There are lots more field trips in middle school. A good way to meet friends is through your other friends. I joined cheerleading, and I know almost everyone in our school, and lots of people from other schools. Some classes will be harder, but not much more than it usual. For instance, you had a lot more homework in fifth grade than you did in fourth. Well, it is not much different. It just goes a grade higher, and you join other people in your grade. If I had one thing to say, it would be don't make fun of people, it makes you look like a jerk."
--Bethany, 11

"The teachers are a lot more rude!"
--Jack, 12

"The difference in that you have more responsibility in middle that in elementary."
--Cherisha, 12

"The biggest difference is that when you're in middle school, you change within those years. Girls start to like boys, and boys start to like girls. Another thing is that there are more bullies in middle school than in elementary school. In elementary school, you were young and you had your friends, and you didn't really worry about boys or girls or bullies that much. But once you get older, everything changes."
--Jazmon, 13

"Hey y'all new sevies! I gotta tell ya that middle school and elementary are really different! Middle school is so much bigger, and you worry more about how you look and friends, but the best thing is to of course make sure you do fit in and keep up with the styles and make good friends. Most importantly, keep up with your schoolwork! Take it from me because I had a lot of experience with all of this last year in seventh grade. At first, I was doing well in school, had good grades and good friends. I got to go lots of places with permission from my mom, but then I started slackin' off (stupid), and my report cards weren't that great. I got grounded a lot so then I had practically no life! Because I was always grounded and couldn't do anything, I got better. Anyway, what I'm saying is that you need to keep up with schoolwork! Good luck in middle school!"
--Kelsey, 13

"I am only in the 6th grade, and I'd like to know if middle school is different from high school."
--Noemi, 12

"The biggest difference between middle and elementary is your freedom. You have a lot more of it."
--Liz, 13

"I've already been through it, and the biggest difference is changing clothes for PE."
--Adriana

"You face more problems in middle school than elementary. Just try to focus in school each day."
--Anonymous, 12

"I'm in 6th grade, and I really want to go to middle school. I don't think it will be that hard."
--Jacie, 10

"Middle school is going to be kewl."
--Jorden, 12

"It can be so boring at times because all of the work. Also, it can be fun! The only reason I dislike school is because there are no cute boys at my school; no one I like at all. Most of my teachers are very strict and don't like me. That will change this year. I know all of the teachers in 9th grade, which is very fantastic. I know how they are about school and the way I need to act around all of them. I wish I could tell you more, but I can't. Enjoy!"
--Staci, 13

"This year, I will be going into the 8th grade, so I know what it is like to be a star in middle school. I think the biggest difference would be a lot more pressure, homework, and a totally different schedule. You will be switching classes instead of staying in one room all day. The best way to deal with all that pressure is to have some fun too. Join a school team, like soccer, join the debate team, or even make your own club. And make sure you do what you are supposed to! If you don't, you will feel a lot more pressure."
--Anonymous

"I wish all kids who are entering 6th grade, GOOD LUCK!!"
--Valerie, 12

"I am about to start my first year of middle school. I was an all A student in elementary school, but I am afraid that the subjects will be harder in middle school to get A's, and I might get kicked out of the Forum."
--Tiffany, 11

"The biggest difference between elementary and middle school is that you have more teachers, and you have only a few minutes to get all over the building to get to all of your classes. The best way to deal is just 2 chill. You will make it if you don't rush. At first, it is hard, but you will get it."
--Ally, 12

"I guess the biggest difference is that you have about 5 classes, and you don't see your friends at all!!"
--Lyn, 11

"I mean, I've finished a year there, and it seemed fine. I often had to run around looking for my locker and my schedules. Then, I realized I could keep a small pocket organizer or a small, private binder where I can put my schedules and locker number and combination in so I don't have to forget. It really works!"
--Zelda, 13

"I met some of the older kids, but most of them, I don't know. It's sort of scary cause you're used to being the top hounds and then you have to become little pups again. But it'll be fun once you get used to it. Well I live in a small town so almost everyone knows me. I sit down in a movie, and they go, 'You're Sabrina, right?' Well, and I have all my old best friends to make me feel welcome."
--Sabrina, 11

"Well, at my elementary school, you only had one teacher except for PE, Art, or Music. The subjects got a whole lot more complicated, and by the end of my first day, I was WORN out!"
--Jessica, 11

"Well, we all know that elementary is your first school, the school in which you experience the difference between home and school. However, sooner or later, time passes by and it's time to go to middle school. Middle school is like starting a new life. In middle school, you deal with more things, and the most important things to remember are to be responsible, to act mature, and to respect teachers, or else you will have to face the consequences with a big punishment. A good way to deal with it is to follow instructions, be responsible, and don't hang around too much with your boyfriend or girlfriend."
--Anonymous

"I think middle school and elementary school have a lot of differences. In middle school, you decide whether you want to be a punk, a rocker, a basketball player or a normal person. Believe me, you will change especially because you get to see all the 7th and 8th graders wearing cool clothes. I say this because I passed through it. I wanted to be a rocker, but my mom said no! Anyway, I will still like all those rock bands."
--Ximena, 13

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