24/7 writing help on your phone
To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Middle School vs. High School
Save to my list
Remove from my list
Middle School vs. High School. (2016, Oct 02). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/middle-school-vs-high-school-3-essay
"Middle School vs. High School." StudyMoose , 2 Oct 2016, https://studymoose.com/middle-school-vs-high-school-3-essay
StudyMoose. (2016). Middle School vs. High School . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/middle-school-vs-high-school-3-essay [Accessed: 2 Sep. 2024]
"Middle School vs. High School." StudyMoose, Oct 02, 2016. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://studymoose.com/middle-school-vs-high-school-3-essay
"Middle School vs. High School," StudyMoose , 02-Oct-2016. [Online]. Available: https://studymoose.com/middle-school-vs-high-school-3-essay. [Accessed: 2-Sep-2024]
StudyMoose. (2016). Middle School vs. High School . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/middle-school-vs-high-school-3-essay [Accessed: 2-Sep-2024]
- The Impact of the Crusades on the High Middle Ages Pages: 2 (535 words)
- Elementary School and Middle School: The Differences and Similarities Pages: 1 (274 words)
- Elementary School and Middle School Pages: 2 (502 words)
- Middle School Student Council President's Speech Pages: 2 (405 words)
- Autobiography: Dance and Middle School Pages: 4 (1163 words)
- Middle School Memories: A Time of Friendship and Fun Pages: 2 (546 words)
- The Review Of The Middle School Choir Concert Pages: 2 (489 words)
- Transformative Journey at James Weldon Johnson Middle School Pages: 2 (565 words)
- Middle School Survival Guide: Navigating the Transition Pages: 2 (536 words)
- Education of the Middle Ages Pages: 6 (1551 words)
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
Advertisement
10 Differences Between Middle School and High School
- Share Content on Facebook
- Share Content on LinkedIn
- Share Content on Flipboard
- Share Content on Reddit
- Share Content via Email
The transition from middle school to high school marks a pretty exciting time in a child's — and a parent's — life. But it can be scary, too.
High school can be overwhelming and confusing, and not just because the buildings are bigger and the campus is unfamiliar. Kids leaving the middle school "bubble" have to deal with new teachers and academic demands. This transition can be disastrous if it doesn't go smoothly; research shows more kids fail a course in ninth grade than any other [source: Hechinger ].
Most school systems do pave the way by with transitional programs, like campus visits and buddy systems. But if you can identify the differences between middle school and high school early, you can help your child avoid some of the pitfalls they might run across when they enter ninth grade.
- Larger Class Size
- Larger Workload
- Oldest to Youngest
- Class Choices
- Parent Involvement
- Grades Count
- New Teachers
- Peer Pressure
10: More Kids
One of the scariest things about moving from middle school into high school is the increase in school size. That's often because several middle schools from one school district dump into one high school. So the high school your child will attend could easily have four times as many kids than their former middle school, and most of them will be absolute strangers.
As that first day of ninth grade looms, it can be overwhelming to imagine entering a totally unfamiliar (and much larger) campus and walking around in a sea of new faces. Most high schools are pretty attentive about easing the transition, but it's not hard to see how kids can get lost in the shuffle.
9: Larger Class Size
We know that high schools have higher enrollments than middle schools, so it stands to reason that classes are bigger, too. Student-to-teacher ratios vary widely across the country, but according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average ratio was about 15-1 for 2019–2020 school year, but high school classes were usually bigger.
Jumping from a class with 15 students to one with 20 doesn't seem like that a huge deal, but it can cause things like your child to feel like they're getting less one-on-one interaction with the teacher . And there's definitely a lot less hand-holding in high school. Older kids are expected to be more responsible and independent, so they (in theory) don't need as much attention from their teachers. A student who's not quite ready for the task can end up falling through the cracks.
The high school graduation rate in the U.S. was 88.6 percent for the 2019-2020 academic year (the most recent available) – holding steady with the previous year's average, according to U.S. News & World Report .
8: Larger Workload
Eighth-grade teachers seem to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make it clear to their students (or trying to scare their students, however you want to look at it) that there's going to be a lot more homework in high school. And they do this for a reason: There's a lot more homework in high school.
Kids who aren't ready for it can be in for a nasty shock during the first month or so of ninth grade. The increased workload — combined with the stress of new environments, schedules, expectations, teachers and classmates — can really throw some kids for a loop, so it's especially important for parents to be on their game during this transitional time.
7: Oldest to Youngest
Eighth grade — especially the last couple of months — is a giddy time for some kids. They're the oldest (and hence, coolest) in the school, and they take any opportunity to lord this fact over anyone they deem to be beneath them (that's, like, you know, everyone). But when the new school year rolls around, they discover pretty quickly how demoralizing it can be to plummet from head of the pack to bottom of the barrel. For this and the other reasons we've just discussed, many kids find themselves floundering in ninth grade. Some schools have tried to combat this phenomenon by separating freshman from the crowd just a little bit — they institute "ninth grade academies" or smaller class sizes to maintain some of that middle-school feeling for just a little while longer.
Bullying is one of the biggest fears of eighth-graders making the transition into high school, but studies have shown there's actually less bullying in high school than in middle school. In fact, seniors are more likely to ignore a lowly freshman than they are to stick his head in a toilet.
6: Class Choices
Since middle schools emphasize on community-building and nurturing students, kids don't get to choose what classes they take. Students might be put in different groups based on skill level, but in general, there's little variation in the courses. Sixth grade is American history , seventh grade is pre-algebra, and that's about it. High school is a whole new ballgame, with seemingly endless choices, which is exciting, obviously, but it can be overwhelming.
And the scheduling is always tough, too: What happens if your trombone-playing child is also a math whiz, and advanced trigonometry is at the same time as band practice? Or physics conflicts with French? There might not be an easy answer or a quick fix, but if parents, teachers and counselors work together, they can create a balanced schedule.
5: Parent Involvement
You might think that, as academic and athletic demands increase in high school, so might parent involvement. After all, this is a critical time in your child's life. Pretty soon, they fly the coop, never to be seen again.
But you'd be thinking wrong: Parent involvement actually decreases during the high school years. One reason is that high school often doesn't court parent involvement as much as elementary and middle school does; it's just a more hands-off type of environment. Parents also commonly assume that their contributions aren't needed as much because kids are older and more responsible. Not so. Many studies have shown that parental involvement is a major factor in their children's success. So go ahead and volunteer — your kids might be embarrassed to have you around, but it's for their own good.
4: Grades Count
People often refer to middle school as a "bubble." Students are doing their reading, writing and arithmetic, of course, but sometimes the process is emphasized more than the end result. Kids are learning about themselves, secure in their own little community, and there's not much focus on the outside world. But that all changes in high school. Suddenly the goal is very clear: college . No more fooling around — this is the real deal. Some students, to be sure, are grade-focused from day one, so this change in objectives can be exhilarating. Finally, all those As count for something! However, it can be jarring for a child who might not have been all that concerned about grades. So again, it's up to you, parents. It's your job to remind underperformers to step up to the plate.
3: New Teachers
Poor ninth graders. As if they don't already have enough to manage, what with an overwhelming new environment, bigger class size and increased academic demands, they also have to juggle multiple new teachers. In middle school, kids probably have at most two or three different teachers per day, but high school (as it does with everything) kicks that up a few notches. Now, they could have six or seven teachers each day — all with their own methods, standards, workloads, moods and idiosyncrasies. It's really no wonder that grades plummet and dropout rates soar in ninth grade. So, even while you stay on top of your child's work and grades, remember to be understanding — this can be a rough time. Once they hit 10th and 11th grade, though, you can really crack the whip.
Most of the changes we've discussed so far have some ambivalence attached to them: The transition to high school is exciting and scary. But sports are one part of high school life that can be parked squarely in the "exciting" spot. Most middle schools do have sports teams, but they don't bring the school to life like high school sports can. It's just like the switch in focus with academics: Sure, middle school sports are fun, but a high school football game is the real deal. Even if your child isn't an athlete, sporting events offer lots of opportunity for social interaction with new classmates. Also, a taste of school spirit never hurts — it gives kids the start of a new identity, which can make the transition a little less painful.
1: Peer Pressure
You knew we were going to get to this one sooner or later, didn't you? Peer pressure rears its ugly head pretty early in any kid's life, but the stakes are certainly raised in high school. Pressure to drink and do drugs certainly shows up for some during the middle school years, but kids (and parents) soon realize that those concerns are small potatoes compared to what's lurking in high school. And it's not only about illegal substances — it's clothes, eating, cheating , you name it. Succumbing to peer pressure can quickly derail an academic career, and it's a major factor in many dropout cases. As always, parents need to be vigilant and, most importantly, keep the lines of communication open.
Studies have shown that if kids are surrounded by underachievers, they'll feel pressure to act the same. But fortunately, it also works the other way around. Fill a room with overachievers, and everyone's performance will improve. And this phenomenon, for some reason, is especially true of girls [source: Fisman ].
Differences Between Middle School and High School
What is the hardest grade in school, are middle school and junior high the same, how is middle school different from high school, what is the biggest difference between middle school and high school, how is middle school different from highschool for parents, lots more information, related articles.
- 5 Things Parents Should Know: When Your Kid Goes to a New School
- World History: Where Should the Teaching Timeline Start?
- Cheaters Never Win? Many U.S. High School Students Disagree
- Bennett, Laurie J. and Mac Iver, Martha Abele. "'Girls Tend to Stop Going; Boys Get Told Not to Come Back': A Report on Gender and the Dropout Problem in Colorado Schools." October 2009. (Accessed Oct. 7, 2021) https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED539113.pdf
- ERIC. "Helping Students Finish School: Why Students Drop Out and How to Help Them Graduate." (Oct. 7, 2021) https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED498351.pdf
- Fisman, Ray. "The Right Kind of Peer Pressure." Slate, May 12, 2010. (Sept. 10, 2010) http://www.slate.com/id/2253506/
- Hechinger. "OPINION: Ninth graders do better with fewer classes, new research shows." April 13, 2021. (Oct. 7, 2021) https://hechingerreport.org/opinion-new-research-shows-that-ninth-grade-matters-more-than-ever/
- Mizelle, Nancy B. and Irvin, Judith L. "Transition from Middle School to High School." National Middle School Association Journal, May 2000. (Sept. 10, 2010) http://www.nmsa.org/portals/0/pdf/publications/On_Target/transitioning_hs/transitioning_hs_4.pdf
- National Center for Education Statistics. "Common Core Data-American Public Schools." 2019–2020. (July 28, 2020) https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/tables/201920_summary_2.asp
- NHSC. "The First Year of High School: A Quick Stats Fact Sheet." (Oct. 7, 2021) https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED501080
- National PTA. "Moving from Middle to High School." (Sept. 9, 2010) http://school.familyeducation.com/school-readiness/parents-and-teacher/37690.html
- TheParentReport.com. "Transition to Middle School and High School." (Sept. 10, 2010) http://www.theparentreport.com/resources/ages/teen/education/624.html
- Kerr, Emma, and Kowarski, Ilana. "See High School Graduation Rates By State." U.S. News & World Report. April 26, 2022. (July 28, 2022) https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/articles/see-high-school-graduation-rates-by-state
- Weber, Dave. "Back to School: Toughest test of all is 9th grade." Orlando Sentinel, Aug. 14, 2010 (Sept. 10, 2010)http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-08-14/news/os-ninth-graders-stumble-081510-20100814_1_ninth-graders-middle-schools-classroom-performance
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:
- About Michelle Waters
- Curriculum Vitae
- Tools I Use
- Podcast Episodes
- How To Be Our Podcast Guest
- Member Login
- Member Helpdesk
- Support Portal
- Resource Partners
- Writing Partners
- Certificate Verification
- How To Contribute
by Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.
A Plethora Of Writing Examples For Middle School (& High School)
October 14, 2014 in Pedagogy
When I started my first job as a professional newspaper reporter (This job also served as an internship during my junior year in college — I just didn’t leave for about 6 years.), I quickly realized that all my experience, and all my years of journalism education had not been enough to help me write stories about drug busts, fatal car accidents and tornadoes. All the theoretical work I’d done, and all of the nifty little scholastic and collegiate stories I had done, did not prepare me for real world writing.
At that point, I had to find a solution quickly. After all, I had a deadline to meet, and it was only a few hours away.
One of my colleagues, who also served as a mentor, had the solution. She introduced me to the newspaper’s “morgue.” This was a room filled with filing cabinets in which we kept old — dead — stories arranged by reporter. Whenever I wasn’t’ sure how to write a story, all I had to do was check the morgue for similar stories. If I needed to write a story about a local drug bust, for example, I’d find another story on a similar incident, study its structure, and mentally create a formula in which to plugin the information I’d gathered.
Once I’d gained more experience, and had internalized the formula for that particular type of story, I felt free to branch out as the situation — and my training — warranted.
I do the same thing when I want to write a type of letter, brochure, or report that I’ve never written before.
This is what writing looks like in the real world.
Of course, if you’re a new teacher like me, there is one problem with providing mentor texts to my students: I have a dearth of middle school level writing sitting around in my file cabinets.
Fortunately, the Internet is full of sources, so I scoured the bowels of Google to find examples. I know how busy you are, so I’m sharing.
Expository writing examples for middle school
Below are several sources of expository writing samples for middle school students.
- The Write Source Expository Writing Samples
- Holt, Rinehart, Winston Expository Essay Models
Finally, here is an article in the New York Times that will help you teach your students real-world expository writing skills .
Descriptive writing examples for middle school
- Descriptive Writing Samples from Novels
- Milwaukee Public Schools Descriptive Essay Samples (p. 137)
- Holt, Rinehart, Winston Descriptive Essay Models
Narrative writing examples for middle school
- Writing Samples by Steve Peha (PDF)
- The Write Source Narrative Writing Samples
- Oregon Department of Education Scored Writing Samples (Ideas and Organization)
- Oregon Department of Education Scored Writing Samples (Sentence Fluency and Conventions)
- Oregon Department of Education Scored Writing Samples (Voice and Word Choice)
- Oregon Department of Education High School Scored Narrative and Argumentative Writing Samples
- Holt, Rinehart, Winston Narrative Essay Models
Argumentative/persuasive writing examples for middle school
- The Write Source Persuasive Writing Samples
- Holt, Rinehart, Winston Persuasive Essay Models
Reflective writing examples for middle school
- Reflective essay examples from Lake Washington Girls Middle School
If you know of any other online writing example sources, please feel free to share them in the comments below.
Related topics: Argumentative Writing , Informative Writing , Mentor Texts , Narrative Writing
About the author
Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.
I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.
This is very, very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
As a new middle school teacher (coming from elementary) this was very helpful and encouraging.
Thank you very much for letting me know. I’m glad that I was able to help you!
Thank you! I’m glad I can help.
Your welcome
This is super helpful. Thank you!
These links are a fantastic help. Thank you!
This helped me BUNCHES! Thanks so much!
thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD
These links are now dead 🙁
Thank you for notifying me! I have updated the post to include new (live!) links. Some of them are geared towards high school, but I think we can still use them as exemplars of what we want our students to aim for.
Comments are closed.
- Grades 6-12
- School Leaders
Have you gotten your free poster delivered? ✨
The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)
Ideas to inspire every young writer!
High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.
- Argumentative Essay Topics
- Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
- Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
- Descriptive Essay Topics
- Expository and Informative Essay Topics
- Humorous Essay Topics
Literary Essay Topics
- Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
- Personal Essay Topics
- Persuasive Essay Topics
Research Essay Topics
Argumentative essay topics for high school.
When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )
- The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
- The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
- All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
- Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
- The best country in the world is …
- Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
- Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
- Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
WeAreTeachers
- Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
- Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
- Does social media do more harm than good?
- Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
- What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
- Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
- Are men and women treated equally?
Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School
A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )
- Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
- Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
- What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
- Describe the effects social media has on young adults.
- How does playing sports affect people?
- What are the effects of loving to read?
- Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
- What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
- Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
- Racism is caused by …
Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School
As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )
- Public and private schools
- Capitalism vs. communism
- Monarchy or democracy
- Dogs vs. cats as pets
- Paper books or e-books
- Two political candidates in a current race
- Going to college vs. starting work full-time
- Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
- iPhone or Android
- Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)
Descriptive Essay Topics for High School
Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.
- Who is the funniest person you know?
- What is your happiest memory?
- Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
- Write about your favorite place.
- When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
- Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
- What is your earliest memory?
- What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
- Describe your favorite pet.
- What is the most important item in the world to you?
- Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
- Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
- Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
- Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
- Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.
Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School
Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )
- What makes a good leader?
- Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
- What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
- Describe how the internet changed the world.
- What does it mean to be a good teacher?
- Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
- Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
- Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
- What does “financial responsibility” mean?
Humorous Essay Topics for High School
Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.
- What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
- What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
- Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
- Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.
- Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
- Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
- Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
- Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
- Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.
Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.
- Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
- Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
- Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
- Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .
- Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
- Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
- Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
- Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
- Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .
Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School
Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.
- Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
- Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
- Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
- Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
- Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.
- Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
- Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
- Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
- Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
- Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
- What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
- Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
- Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
- Tell about your proudest moment.
Persuasive Essay Topics for High School
Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )
- Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
- Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
- What animal makes the best pet?
- Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
- Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
- Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
- Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
- The best music genre is …
- Is democracy the best form of government?
- Is capitalism the best form of economy?
- Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
- Should schools have dress codes?
- If I could change one school rule, it would be …
- Is year-round school a good idea?
A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.
- Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
- Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
- Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
- Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
- What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?
- Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
- Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
- Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
- Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.
What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .
Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .
We Are Teachers
You Might Also Like
100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens
Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts. Continue Reading
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Comment on this text
10 Reasons Why High School is Different Than Middle School
Student life.
August 01, 2020
By Kimberley Dunn
As students transition out of middle school, they often approach the idea of high-school with fears of heavier workloads, busy schedules, and having to make new friends. However, despite only having been in high school for one year, I have had a chance to experience and face these fears hands-on. High school doesn't have to be scary; it's a chance to explore your passions and interests and develop relationships that you can carry with you for the rest of your life. Here are ten reasons why high school is different than middle school:
1. New Classes
As you enter high school, you'll be introduced to a whole world of subjects. Along with your required courses, you'll be able to choose classes that spark your interest or relate to the field that you would like to pursue in the future. Some examples include Psychology, Ceramics, Photography, Film, Drama, Choir, Guitar, Computer Programming, Foreign Languages, and more! Needless to say, high school is a great time to explore your passions and even try something new in preparation for college.
2. Peer Pressure
Peer pressure influences your life from a very early age. It's only natural for us to observe and learn from our peers; human nature drives us to find a sense of belonging amongst others and thus gain acceptance. Peer pressure can be both positive and negative, however, we typically only acknoledge negative peer pressure as being an aspect of high school due to its notorious and dangerous consequences.
Those who engage in healthy relationships can experience positive effects of pressure: maintaining a kind and compassionate character, avidly participating in class, and attending school on a regular basis. However, upon entering high school you will find that there are some who chose to engage in risky behavior: trying drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, etc.
You'll encounter various situations where you'll have to determine whether you have the power and will to say "no" when necessary. It takes great power and courage to resist the desire to fit in with those around you but by doing so you will be thankful for having avoided the consequences of engaging in reckless behavior.
3. Less Sleep
Upon analyzing state Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, the CDC determined that 7 out of 10 high school students did not get enough sleep on school nights. With longer, busier days and heavier amounts of homework, high school students lose more hours of sleep than they would have in middle school. Additionally, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teens need between eight and ten hours of sleep, yet research shows that up to 73% of high school students don't get a healthy amount of sleep.
Such lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect on a teen's health and life; according to Dr. Jonathan Pletcher, an adolescent medicine specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, “…a lack of sleep can increase depression, negative physical health like headaches, poor school performance, school absenteeism and drowsy driving.” So, what are the ways to ensure a good night's sleep? Try establishing a set bedtime, even on the weekends, to give your body a consistent sleep schedule, completing homework on time to avoid late nights of studying, and avoiding technology at least an hour before bed.
4. Friendships
High school is a chance to be a "new, better you" but associating with the wrong people could cause the development of reckless and irrational behavior and ultimately drive apart your previous friendships. These years are times of emotional and developmental changes; as teens distance themselves from their parents, friendships can become their most important relationships herefore who you choose to be friends with has a direct impact on your morals, values, and character. A study led by Amy C.
Hartl of Florida Atlantic University tracked 410 seventh graders and determined that only one percent of the friendships formed in seventh grade were still intact by twelfth grade. Hence, it's only natural that your friendships may fall apart at some point or another.
It's often our differences that drive children apart; interests and personalities change over time and, suddenly, you and your once best friend don't have much in common anymore. Nevertheless, high school is an opportunity to venture into your passions and to develop new friendships with those who you can share interests with!
Unlike in middle school, high schoolers seem to have closer bonds between students in different grades. Frequent dances, pep rallies, sports games, and parties are bound to ignite friendships between students of all ages. Not only are high school events fun but they also teach valuable communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
So far, one of the most notable and memorable events of high school has been Homecoming Week. A week beforehand, the tension in the air was already thick with anticipation that it could be cut with a knife. Leaders of each grade emerged and encouraged their peers to come together in an effort to fight for victory.
Upon the beginning of Homecoming Week, tense rivalries between grades emerged as they battled through various challenges and games: basketball, Capture the Flag, dodgeball, and more. Of course, the strong-willed seniors were declared victorious at the end of the week, but we celebrated the exuberant experience nevertheless. In short, high school events are memorable and highly anticipated to say the least.
6. Extracurriculars
One of the most notable aspects of high school is extracurriculars. They provide your high school experience with an abundance of knowledge and experience that you can carry with you throughout your life. Extracurriculars can be both inside and outside of school and consist of various activities: sports teams, school clubs, jobs, interships, volunteering, art, competitions, and more.
For those with a limited ability to have pursued their passions in middle school, high school is the perfect oppurtunity to explore what they love and discover something new. Many schools offer a large range of freedom to their students to start their own clubs and organizations. If you have a passion that isn't represented at your school, I implore you to speak up for what you love!
7. Longer Days
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 20 percent of middle schools start their school days by 7:45 or earlier. Keeping this in mind, when I was in middle school, my school day started at 8:00 AM and ended at 3:15 PM. As I transitioned into high school, my school days began at 8:00 besides Wednesdays, when I began at 8:45, and ended at 3:30.
Of course, the length of school days differs based on various factors: what state or country you live in and what school you attend. All in all, with more classes and higher-level material, school days tend to be longer in high school. However, our schedules have plenty of free periods, study halls, and breaks! Additionally, despite having longer days, high school classes tend to be shorter as you have more classes to fit into the day.
8. Harder Coursework
High school can be a big change from middle-school for some. I was fortunate enough to have wonderful teachers in middle school who provided me with the knowledge that I know that I will carry with me for years to come. In fifth grade, my English teacher gave us a large packet with dozens of pages, filled with tips on writing expository essays, hooks, grammar, and more.
To this day, I still have the packet sitting right at my desk. In seventh grade, another English teacher introduced me to the world of poetry in a way that I had never seen before. Since then, I've been writing each day and even hope to publish my own collection of poems in the next few years.
My most notable teacher, however, was my eighth grade English teacher; she pushed every student, regardless of their skills, to reach their fullest potential by asking them a vital question: So what? Upon writing an essay, I always myself this question and strive to analyze and explain to the fullest extent possible. All things considered, high school isn't necessarily harder than middle-school, however, it requires students to harness the skills they've hopefully acquired throughout middle school and apply them to your work.
9. Grades Matter
A message for incoming ninth graders: take a deep breath in and out. Relax. From this moment forward, forget your past grades in middle school.
That was a practice run. Now, it's time for the real deal.
Semester grades from ninth grade to twelth grade will be kept as records and viewable by colleges that you later apply to. Take another deep breath in and out. Don't worry about having to be an A+ student.
Simply keep in mind that schoolwork is important and how hard you work now directly affects your future education. However, don't feel pressured to be perfect. Instead, become familiar with your strengths and weaknesses by analyzing your grades in the past, focus on how you could improve, and make mistakes.
In order for us to learn, we have to make mistakes first! It's only natural! Overall, as long as you care about your schoolwork and try your best, you won't be stressing nearly as much.
10. Independence
In high school, parents tend to be less involved in their children's schoolwork. Upon entered high school, there's a sort of unspoken rule established that "you are responsible for you." For some, this transition can be intimidating in comparison to middle school; however, if you work hard, stay attentive, and have supportive teachers, I can assure your success.
Because grades are recorded from ninth grade and onward, parents often encourage their children to take charge of their future by giving them more independence. In doing so, children can establish routines and time management techniques that are personalized and effective. Keep in mind that your freedom doesn't give you an excuse to start slacking off!
Now that you're getting older, you'll begin to take on more responsibilities. High school being a step-up from middle school, your parents expect that you complete your homework when necessary and submit assignments on time. However, it's not to be mean! Your parents are just granting you more independence in preparation for college.
Think this article is a must-read? Share it! 🤳💬
Kimberley Dunn 20k+ pageviews
Kimberley Yasmine Dunn is the owner of The Admont Library (https://www.theadmontlibrary.com), an antiquarian bookstore, online archive, and home to The Admont Abbey, the only magazine dedicated to admirers of literature and booksellers alike. Born in Paris, France, she has spent the past seventeen years living in London, Dallas, Miami, and Alpharetta. Kimberley has had extensive experience in writing for magazines and newspapers and has won various state-level awards for her poetry. Now living in Georiga, she spends her free time collecting rare books, reading classics, bookbinding, and creating illuminated manuscripts.
Website: theadmontlibrary.com
Recent in Student Life
Let us slide into your dms 🥰.
|
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Middle School vs. High School. One, the closing of one's grade school years, and the other, a gateway to young adulthood. Middle school and High school, two very important times of a young person's life, share some similarities and many differences. Middle school, just like its title explains, is the time when students are stuck in the ...
4: Grades Count. Grades really start to count toward college in high school, too. PeopleImages/Getty Images. People often refer to middle school as a "bubble." Students are doing their reading, writing and arithmetic, of course, but sometimes the process is emphasized more than the end result.
Descriptive writing examples for middle school. Descriptive Writing Samples from Novels; Milwaukee Public Schools Descriptive Essay Samples (p. 137) Holt, Rinehart, Winston Descriptive Essay Models; Narrative writing examples for middle school. Writing Samples by Steve Peha (PDF) The Write Source Narrative Writing Samples
Even so, the similarities and differences vary. Middle school and high school are alike in the areas of receiving an education, socializing with others, and having teachers while different in areas of maturity, difficulty in work, and independence. 2 Middle school and high school are alike in the aspect that individuals are receiving an ...
Hall-Dale Middle School vs. Hall-Dale High School. The transition from middle school to high school can be extremely difficult for some, as there are many differences between the two. "The switch to high school can be disastrous if a child doesn 't make the transition smoothly -- more kids fail ninth grade than any other grade.".
Learning to read vs. learning to write. The importance of any two school subjects. Wearing glasses vs. having braces. You and your best friend. Friendship vs. romantic love. Group work and individual work. Only child vs. having siblings. Nature vs. nurture. Anxiety and depression.
Although there are many differences between middle school and high school, there are also many similarities. In high school, you eventually have to take college classes if you plan on going to college, the school is much bigger, the grades that you make in high school are really important for your future, and there is more responsibility.
West is the High School I attended after middle school and it's known as Davenport West High School. There are three main differences and similarities between High Schools, and Middle Schools. The three main points I will be covering are school dances, classes, and extracurricular activities. In High School, dances are a big deal and people ...
Middle School Vs High School Essay. Despite bearing some minor similarities, the differences between middle school and high school significantly impact the ultimate experiences in each educational stage. Both stages require some amount of effort in order to continue through each grade. An obvious similarity would be that the classes offered are ...
High school and middle school. The two types of schools seem so similar; huge building, older students, alternating classes, more responsibility. Everyone will go to middle school and high school, it is up to them if they finish. High school is a very talked about topic, being a major basis for movies and teenagers lives.
Middle school vs High school 1 Many people endure three years of middle school and four years of high school. It is an eventful time for children between 11 to 18 years old. During the adolescent years there are hormonal changes, environmental changes and emotional developmental gains. Middle school is the beginning
The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here.) Public and private schools. Capitalism vs. communism. Monarchy or democracy. Dogs vs. cats as pets. WeAreTeachers. Paper books or e-books. Two political candidates in a current race.
By Kimberley Dunn. 10k+ 1. As students transition out of middle school, they often approach the idea of high-school with fears of heavier workloads, busy schedules, and having to make new friends. However, despite only having been in high school for one year, I have had a chance to experience and face these fears hands-on.
In middle school, your classes are already selected and you cannot change them. These classes are mandatory, just like high school, but everyone learns at the same level. This can be a disadvantage for students who take longer to process than others. Also, in middle school, you cannot create your own clubs.
366 Words. 2 Pages. Open Document. Many students believe middle school and high school have many differences, but it's not all different. High school is a lot more serious then middle school. At the same time, some students say middle school isn't as much fun as high school. It's just like a higher level on the same video game.
To recapitulate, the difference between middle and high school is far bigger than it looks, students have more freedom but also more responsibilities. Students have to start doing things on their own and really take charge of their lives. But even though they are so different the basic structures are…. 342 Words.
Middle school vs High school 1 Many people endure three years of middle school and four years of high school. It is an eventful time for children between 11 to 18 years old. During the adolescent years there are hormonal changes, environmental changes and emotional developmental gains.
High School Vs. Middle School: A Comparative Essay There are two distinctive differences, that make high school much more difficult, when you make the jump from middle school to high school: you have to work much harder and you get more freedom as a reward. High school is far more involved and it is more difficult than middle school.
One prep, lots of grading. A rural (60 students) high school where I had 7 preps. Lots of planning, very little grading. I've settled in the middle (600 students) where I have 2-3 preps, depending on the year, and a medium about of grading. However, the biggest difference, and the one that motivates most of us to teach high school, is the ...
510 Words. 3 Pages. Open Document. When people make the change from elementary school to middle school, a lot of things change for them. Like the layout, the rules, and the hours, so when they think about going to high school they think it will be much tougher. Except there is not much of a difference between high school and middle school.
Elementary School Vs Middle School Essay. Many people wonder what the difference between elementary school and middle school is. Middle school is usually between grades 6-8 depending on the part of country you are in, and elementary school is typically grades k-5.
High School Vs Middle School Essay. Decent Essays. 501 Words; 3 Pages; Open Document. In the ocean, there are many different kinds of fish. In an aquarium, there are also a lot of fish but in a smaller space. This is just like the high school compared to the middle school. The high school is full of students and so is the middle school, but the ...
High School Vs Middle School Essay High school vs Middle school Have you ever experienced the transition from high school to middle school? Many students that go from middle school to high school are worried about the big changes in the environments. Although there are many differences between middle school and high school,