UpGrade: Bridging the Gap between 5th and 6th Grade

By Bea H., '28

This student article was featured in Graded's 2024-25 yearbook, Every Second Counts.

Every second counts in lower school, a time when students develop essential learning and social skills that will shape their future. As they prepare to leave behind familiar hallways and their homerooms, they experience a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Moving up to middle school means adjusting to new faces, tougher classes, and the challenge of switching teachers for different subjects. It’s a big transition, but it also opens the door to new opportunities for growth and discovery. These rising middle schoolers are not just moving up a grade—they’re learning to embrace change, adapt to new experiences, and make the most of every moment.

As fifth graders prepare for middle school, they are starting to reflect on what they'll miss and what they're excited about. Some are excited about independence and the chance to take on more responsibility, while others feel a little nervous about leaving the familiar behind. Joaquim H., a fifth grader, shared, "I'm excited to make new friends," while Samara G. added, "I'm excited to switch from class to class." Many fifth graders mentioned they’d miss the close-knit feeling of their current class, but they’re ready to tackle new challenges like navigating lockers and new schedules. 

However, with all the excitement, there are also a few nerves. Some students are worried about making new friends in a larger environment, while others feel anxious about balancing harder subjects and homework. “I think the subjects will be harder and there will be a lot of homework,” Mia B. expressed, reflecting on the academic challenges ahead. Leonardo S. also mentioned he was nervous about keeping up with the new routine, saying, “I'm scared that I will fall behind.” Despite these worries, the fifth graders also expressed confidence that with time, they’ll find their rhythm in middle school.

The transition from 5th to 6th grade is a big step, but the lower school and middle school teams work closely together to make it as smooth as possible. “We are already collaborating with our lower school counterparts to begin planning the transition for our current 5th graders,” Ms. Sarah Parham, the middle school associate principal, shared. The middle school counselor, 5th-grade team leader, and lower school counselor collaborate to create programs that help students understand how middle school works, from choosing electives to adjusting to new routines. A key part of this is the UpGrade experience, where current 6th graders help prepare 5th graders for what’s ahead. Once in middle school, new 6th graders have plenty of support, including their advisors, teachers, the principal, and even older students who participated in UpGrade the year before. “Advisory and the shift of our Middle School Classroom Without Walls trip to September are the two biggest resources for adjusting socially and emotionally,” the associate principal added. Academically, the entire 6th-grade teaching team plays a vital role in helping students navigate new expectations. With so many resources in place, rising middle schoolers are set up for success and a comfortable transition.

As the 5th graders get ready to transition into middle school, they’re feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. While new challenges, like tougher classes and making new friends, lie ahead, these students are eager to take on more independence and explore new opportunities. With the support of the UpGrade program, they’re prepared to face whatever comes their way and are ready to make the most of this next step in their journey.