From the oldest to the youngest in the building, the transition from 5th grade to 6th grade is quite challenging. Everyone changes over the summer, and it feels like you're the only person you know. The eighth graders are towering above you, and you realize they will be treating you differently because they are older and “wiser.”

In 5th grade, I got comfortable with being the eldest. I knew the most, I had a lot of experience, and I got the perks. In my elementary school, I didn’t carry backpacks all day—we had desks. Also, I didn’t get my own separate schedule; I stayed with the same class all day. In addition to that, my periods were an hour and a half, with one 45-minute period of special.

However, many of the sixth graders at Explore Middle School have enjoyed the transition from elementary school. 

“I like that all of the teachers are really nice and they help you with your class work. In my old school, we didn’t have that many clubs, so it's nice that we have a variety of clubs here,” says Explore sixth grader Pavika Thakral.

“I like the food, students, and teachers because they are all very funny. In my old school, my food was terrible. Not knowing anybody and having social anxiety was the hardest part of the transition, though,” adds fellow sixth grader Abby Orozco.

Some students, such as Ivka Small, like the school’s more relaxed atmosphere.

“I like how it's not like other schools, and we have fun field trips,” she said. “My old school was super uptight, and we didn’t do fun stuff.”

The food at Explore is considered the best part for some, like Saren Rambarrat.

“The teachers are very nice. The food is really great,” he said.

Explore is a project-based school, and many students like how creative and fun they are. 

“The projects are also very fun…half of the time,” adds Rambarrat.

Adam Velasquez-Cruz states, “The projects are more fun and the teachers are way better. The teachers weren't that understanding at my old school, so it's nice that the teachers here are nice.”

Arnav Pandey enjoys Explore because it's fun. “The teachers actually care about stuff here,” he said.

Vanshil Agarwal agrees. “The teachers don't give too much work. In some of my friends' schools, they get so much homework. The teachers are also very understanding. For example, in social studies, we got too much work, but now we don't."

Published to the Wolfpack Press: November 18, 2025.