"I'm in my second year of middle school now. It's a whole lot of fun! You get more responsibilities, which means more homework, tests, etc. But it's not bad at all. Don't worry about not fitting in because except for a few bullies, everyone gets along. And the whole thing with lockers is really cool. The teachers are a lot of help too. As an overview, don't worry and you'll do great!"
--Gregory, 11

"I have already entered middle school, and I'm beginning 7th grade. At first, I thought that I was going to be so scared and would mess up and flunk. The biggest difference was changing classes for sure. I was used to having one teacher and that's all. She knew what homework we had in every subject and would not give us much in others. Well, not in middle school. The teachers give you as much homework, test, projects, and exams as they want. So I had a ton of homework, but I sat down with my mom and we made a schedule for me. I wrote down when I could play and when I should do my homework. With this schedule, I never had to rush and finish my homework. So my advice is use your time wisely, and do the projects before the night they are due, and you should have an easy time."
--Jordan, 12

"Middle school might seem scary, but it is the best."
--Kelli, 13

"I think moving up to the middle school is an exciting thing. My friends think so too. You get to do more things in middle school than in elementary school, like clubs and sports. I think that middle school is going to be fun."
--Angelina, 10

"Lockers! You can buy a lock at a store and practice it a lot before school starts."
--Angelica, 12

"I think the biggest difference between elementary school and middle school is you learn a lot more and you have a lot more responsibility. The teachers get stricter, and the only reason they do is because they love you and don't want you to do poorly. Unless, they just don't like kids. AHAHAHA!"
--Khris, 11

"Hey! I'm going into 8th grade, so I've been in middle school for 2 years now. The biggest differences are the lockers, changing classes, and older kids. In your last year of elementary school, you're the oldest, but in your 1st year of Middle School, you're the youngest, and that can be frightening. The older kids do tease you, but don't worry, just ignore them and they'll leave you alone -- trust me, I know! The lockers can be scary, especially if you have a combination lock. If you've never used a combination lock before, than it can be VERY frustrating trying to open one for the first time -- but remember, practice makes perfect!! One last thing -- changing classes. I know it might seem scary racing to be on time to a class, especially if your teacher gives detentions if you're late. All you have to do is walk fast and don't stop and talk to everyone you see that you know. Just wave, smile, and say, 'Hey.' If you linger and talk, then you're guaranteed to be late, because those 3, 4, 5 minutes between classes go by VERY fast!!"
--Martina, 12

"I don't want to go to middle school for a lot of reasons, one of them being…NO RECESS!! AAHHH!!"
--Mingo, 11

"I'm not going into middle school yet because my elementary school goes up to 6th grade! But my best friend is 'cause she's a grade older than me. So I am afraid of losing her in middle school! But otherwise, I think middle school will be a good way to test our friendship!!"
--Liz, 11

"I'm getting ready to be in the sixth grade, and believe me, I don't feel like I'm ready, but sometimes I have to deal with stuff I don't want to deal with. My biggest problem now is middle school. But I've decided I'm just going to go with the flow and see how it works out! Last year my problem was switching schools. From K-4th grade I went to a private school, but the summer that I was about to go into the 5th grade, my parents decided that to get ready for middle school I needed to go and meet some people, so they switched me to public school. So I did, and I'm about to have to do that again. I went with the flow, and by the end of the year, I knew almost the whole school. So now, I have gained confidence in myself and decided that just going with the flow is the best way to have a fun-filled 3 years in middle school! Hope you do the same!"
--Katelyn, 11

"Middle school seems likes it is going to be so much fun. I can't wait until summer break is over, and we start school again! But I only have one fear about going there; I am going to be switching classes, and I have never done that before. Is it hard?"
--Allison, 11

"I am on summer vacation from sixth grade, and on August 27, I start middle school. I am really scared that I might get lost on my way to class, and I don't want to be late and get in trouble. I was always really exited about going up to a new grade when I was in elementary, but that was because I was in the same school all my life, and I pretty much knew all the teachers. I knew the school like the palm of my hand. I am really nervous about being picked on by the 'big kids', the 8th graders. I know that there isn't really anything to be afraid of, but I still get the chills thinking about moving on. I haven't even seen the new school…"
--Sarah, 12

"Middle School. Yeah…I was pretty nervous to enter junior high. In elementary, if you forgot your homework, you got one more day to turn it in. If you messed up on a paper, you could do it over and a get a new grade. So now you're scared that in middle school, you won't be the 'baby' anymore. I mean, everyone must have stopped and thought about it at least once. But look at it this way, you get more responsibilities. For instance, you can sit at any lunch table that you want. Not to mention…you get a locker! You can take these new opportunities and throw them away and not use them, or you can show other people the best you can be. I'd choose the 'best you can be'. Always keep your head high and always, ALWAYS respect yourself. When other people will see how you always feel good about yourself and how you won't ever give up, they'll respect you too. Trust me…it works! I'm going into seventh grade, and I love middle school! Remember: keep your head high, always smile, never give up, and work hard. You can do it!"
--Nika, 12

"I think the biggest difference is everything! Eight teachers! Counselors! It's a total change in someone's life, but I plan to deal with it as it comes. That's how I got through elementary, I suppose it will work the same way."
--Erika, 11

"Well, I'm already in middle school and going into the 8th grade. The difference between elementary and middle school is that middle school has more classes. It's harder, some of the teachers are a lot meaner, and you get a zero for not doing anything. But, you get to have more friends and meet new people. Elementary school can be a lot smaller, it's easier to get good grades, you only have one teacher, easier schedules, not too much homework, and it's easier to fit in. But in middle school, you get more space, both personal and physical, and you can make new friends. You do have to hurry through the halls, but think of it this way -- you get a lot of exercise! Middle school is only 3 years, and you will be back with your old friends in no time in high school. Take it from me. It may seem weird and all, but just remember to be you, and don't forget that those words can get you through a lot. Trust me, self confidence is a big thing -- use it. That just about wraps it up for all you young readers out there. And don't forget. I know you may want to grow up fast, but don't. You don't get to be a kid for that long. And girls, take some more advice from me: even if you don't fit in, don't try, cuz then you can lose everything that you once knew."
--Cat, 13

"I think the big difference is that you will have more classes and teachers, and especially more homework. I also agree with Alex."
--Becca, 11

"I think the difference is in the experiences! You have only have a certain amount of time to get to classes in middle school. In elementary, you spend almost all day in the same room. Lockers, I think are the hardest. You have to organize and take care of your books. Now the BIGGEST challenges of them all are the teachers and making new friends. Just remember, treat others as you want to be treated. Congratulations and HAVE FUN!"
--Tynisha, 12

"I think the biggest difference is you have to change classes with different teachers, and sometimes, if it's a big place, you can get lost. To deal with it, I would make a friend in every class and walk with that person to class."
--Sam, 11

"Well, I'm kind of excited and curious 'cause in elementary school, there was less of a school. The library had hardly any 8-11 grade books. I think I will like it."
--Spencer, 12

"I'm nervous about the mental and physical changes and the fear of rejection. But I talked to God about it, and now I'm ready and can't wait for the fist day of school. I got my new brand-name clothes, and I'm getting my new school supplies. And I can't wait to meet up again with old friends and have fun with new ones in 6th grade!!"
--Touia, 11

"Hey all you little 5th graders: middle school isn't as hard as it seems, and it's not that scary either. I went into sixth grade, popular and smart, so I had it easy. My advice is to have fun and don't forget about homework. But I'm sure you guys will survive."
--Lauren, 12

"I haven't gone to middle school yet, but I will in a month and a half. I am really scared. My cousin is 14, and he said that one day a girl took marijuana and offered some to him. And she said that if he didn't take it, he would really regret it, so that is one reason I'm scared. Another one is that I am super tall. I am just 11, but I'm 5'5''. What do you think about that? And I don't mind the work and stuff, but I mind the people. My parents have noticed that because I am an only child, I will do anything to have friends, so they are afraid that I might accept drugs or start being careless with my work. I really want to have goals so I can reject all of the peer pressure (I don't have friends where I live). And the biggest difference, I think, is that all the kids that go there start feeling intimidated by all of the popular kids. So some girls start to wear revealing clothes and make-up."
--Stephanie, 11

"I'm nervous. I'm going into 6th grade. HELP!!"
--Becky, 12

"Lockers!! There is no way 2 deal."
--Lacey, 11

"I think that going to the middle school was the most terrifying thing I've ever had to deal with. I think the best way to deal with it is to try to fit in, and don't let the bigger people scare you."
--Briana, 11

"There will always be a person who likes you, hates u, annoys you, and is there for you. There are thousands of ways to deal with anything, but pick the right way."
--April, 12

"Is it embarrassing changing in front of other girls?"
--Alyssa, 11

"The transition from elementary school to middle school is only different if you're either going to a new school or if all of your old friends are going away. You really shouldn't let your fears of 'peer pressure' and those other things scare you. If you're going to a different school and you don't know anything about it, just be calm and try to make some friends that you have something in common with. The best place to find out if there are kids that you might want to be friends with is at lunch. Just talk to some of the kids there, and they might even introduce you to some of their friends. But the main thing is, don't let your fears of 'fitting in' drive you to peer pressure."
--Kyle, 13

"The biggest difference between elementary and middle school is you have more freedom in middle school, but you have to change classes more often. The best way to deal with it is to just act like your normal self and have as much fun as you can."
--Angel, 11

"I think that one of the biggest differences is that guys start to like GIRLS! Sometimes the girls don't like boys. And us girls get to wear make-up for the first time at my school."
--Tamara, 12

"Hey, don't sweat it! I've been through it all. You have A LOT more homework, but you meet more friends. It's a blast. Don't worry about it, just go for it. Remember: the teachers are there to help, not hurt, even if you feel stupid. Changing classes is no biggie. It's one of the times of the day (apart from lunch) you can talk with your friends! One more thing, girls - notes. You give them AFTER or BEFORE class. They come in handy when it's a total ZZZ! One last thing (I promise), life is not always like TV. BYE!"
--Jenn

"The biggest difference is definitely all those classes. The best way to deal is to just keep your schedule and do your homework the night you get it, 'cause if you use that 'I will just do it tomorrow 'cause I got 2 days' excuse, you will get way behind. Trust me, I know people who have tried it."
--Jeal, 11

"I went to middle school last year which was a HUGE change the first few days. My friends and I would hear older kids saying, "Oh my gosh! They look so young!" when we were the same size as they were. The major difference between middle school and elementary school is that you change classes for each and every one of your classes. But, after the first day, it becomes really easy. Also, some of the kids in middle school have these huge egos and think they're better than anyone in the school. The best thing to do is not to let them intimidate you! Know who you are and walk with your shoulders back and head up straight! It also helps to walk into this whole situation with a good friend."
--Ally, 12

"I think the biggest difference between middle school and elementary school is that you have to choose different courses, and you have a lot more teachers to deal with!"
--Courtney, 11

"Middle school is totally different. I thought it would be very scary, but it wasn't. You still have your friends, and they are going through the same thing. Middle school is not that big of a change if you really think about it. The only difference is more classes and no play time."
--Laura, 12

"Well, there's a lot of problems in middle school. Like, in elementary school, you are protected, but in middle, you are on your own. So stay away from drugs/alcohol and all that, and if you're friends say to do it, say no."
--Leslie, 9

"Hey, I'm Scottie, and I'm going to 6th grade. How is it different from elementary school?"
--Scottie, 11

"The difference between them is that you get to change classes and meet up with your friends. You also get to stay at lunch longer rather than having a schedule. It is sometimes worse because you get disciplined more often."
--Brittani, 12

"Hi. I'm starting middle school. My mom wants me to go to a different school because it has had some bad changes. But my friends and cousins go there. I'm scared. What should I do?"
--Stephanie, 11

"Just be yourself. Soon you'll gather new friends, even if you have some already. If you want to be popular, then don't act like a know-it-all; you have to be you, but with a little bit more detail and 'pizzazz'. If you don't make it to the top of the 'pop' list, then that's okay; in middle school, everyone sticks in a 'group'. You just have to find friends who you're comfortable with and just hang out with them. Here are some great tips (from me): 1) Be yourself. 2) Have a good attitude. 3) Be friendly with everyone you meet. 4) If you don't like the teacher, then just think positive; otherwise you won't do as well in that particular class. 5) Follow these and you'll be fine!! Middle School does NOT mean more homework. No. It means more challenging work. The work won't be difficult: just to the ability of a 6th grader. If the work were easy, then soon it would get boring. Kids should look at middle school as the next step closer to developing into mature adults."
--Carla, 12

"Biggest difference? In middle school, there are a gazillion things to deal with! Best way to handle it -- think about all of your opportunities awaiting you, and just forget about everything and chill. That's what my older sister keeps on telling me. So just believe in yourself, and you'll be perfectly fine. Don't worry, and have a little fun and relax. Trust me, I know!"
--Melissa, 10

"The difference between elementary and middle school is that the teachers are stricter."
--Sammy, 12

"The biggest difference between elementary and middle school are the teachers. You no longer have one teacher, you have seven or eight teachers, a teacher for every subject, and each has a different personality."
--Lindsey, 12

"Going into middle school might be scary, but there are many more teachers than elementary. That's what makes it cool. You don't have 1 really boring teacher, you have many. Plus, at my new junior high, we have a sixth grade hallway just for sixth graders. Plus, lunch is longer than elementary. The clubs that I could go into are so numerous that I'm not sure which 1's to join. I think it will be fun! I just can't wait 'til High School! I can't wait 'til middle school! I'm just a little worried though -- about switching classes, having new teachers, everything -- but I know that I will have fun."
--Julia, 12

E-mail this page to a friend