Lower School to Middle School

Graduating from Level 5 to Level 6 is an exciting but sometimes challenging milestone for students. This transition often brings mixed emotions, including excitement, anxiety, curiosity, and more. This is a period of adjustment not only for students but for parents too.

Students will experience several changes as they transition from Lower School to Middle School at HRS. For example, students move from having one primary teacher to multiple subject teachers within a six-period day, often with different classmates in each period. This requires adapting to new routines, physical spaces, and people. To support students through this transition, HRS Middle School assigns each student an advisor who guides an advisory class with a consistent, daily touchpoint for addressing concerns and other needs.

As part of the academic growth from lower school to middle school, students experience greater academic expectations and increased independence. Students encounter more complex assignments, longer-term projects, and increased homework load.

Students are also introduced to new subjects and more in-depth learning opportunities. Students work on developing time management and organizational skills.

This is a period of significant identity formation when students are heavily influenced by peer relationships and social dynamics such as fitting in and forming friend groups. This formative time is critical for building resilience and confidence. At HRS, student affinity groups, counselors, and other resources are available to build community and to support students as they navigate this period of growth and change.

Middle School to High School

HRS Middle School students receive an expansive, rich, and comprehensive experience that sets them up for success in high school and beyond. This is achieved through structured, explicit instruction across all subjects each day. As students build strong literacy foundations, they are empowered to engage in a middle school experience that is intellectually, academically, and socially rigorous.

Throughout the program, students receive continual opportunities to build and strengthen essential skills through graduation. These will be skills that they can use now and in the future to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves. Students practice executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, planning ahead, problem-solving, and self-advocacy in their daily routines. These habits help students become more independent, responsible, and prepared for success in high school and beyond.

Our students learn how to implement and practice skills and strategies that help them approach new subjects and challenges with confidence. As students strengthen their skills, they build competence, confidence, and ultimately self-efficacy—the belief that “I can do this.” Students graduate with a deeper understanding of how they learn best and the strategies that help them succeed. This empowers them to advocate for what they need when they enter high school.

HRS staff and faculty experience the bittersweet moment of celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating class while also recognizing that they will soon move on from our classrooms.

Students and families may also experience a mix of emotions during this transition. We encourage families to view the High School Transition Guide available online (scan below).

The Learning Center remains a lifelong resource for students and families, continuing to provide support even after students leave our campus. Services include tutoring, parent workshops, and other language-based learning resources. Once a member of our Eagles community, always an Eagle!

High School Transition

Learning Center