Middle school, covering grades 6-8, is a crucial time for students' learning and development. Top experts' research highlights students' challenges during this period and offers insights for educators and policymakers.

Studies by experts like Jacquelynne Eccles, Erik Erikson, and Sarah-Jayne Blakemore show that students experience a drop in interest in school, increased influence from peers, the importance of having a positive attitude towards learning, the search for their own identity, and significant changes in their brains.

To effectively support middle school students, educators use tailored learning environments, programs to develop social and emotional skills, interventions to encourage a positive attitude towards learning, varied extracurricular activities, and fair disciplinary policies. Using these insights, educators can create an environment in middle school that supports students' overall development and prepares them for high school and beyond success.

At The Academy @ Shawnee, middle school educators aim to create a positive, engaging, and active middle school experience using research-based strategies. We focus on tailored learning, social and emotional development, positive attitude interventions, diverse opportunities, hands-on learning, and fair disciplinary policies to ensure that our students are ready academically and have the skills and confidence to navigate adolescence successfully. We are committed to giving every student a sense of belonging and the inspiration to achieve their full potential.