In my “School Organization and Leadership” course (EDLD 6013), we explore the pros and cons of local school configurations. That’s because there’s an ongoing debate over such configurations (especially for the middle grades) as districts across the country experiment with different models to reflect societal changes and to better meet the needs of their students.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, traditional K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 schools remain the norm. HOWEVER, K-8 schools are growing in popularity, increasing from 2,500 in 1994 to about 7,000 in 2024.

Education Week recently posted an article that provides more information on this growing trend. It’s a must read for any administrator involved in discussions about the configuration of their local schools.