Benefits of a K-8 School

• Educational research shows that students from K-8 schools have higher academic achievement as measured by both grade point averages and standardized test scores, especially in math.
• K-8 students participate in more extracurricular activities, demonstrate greater leadership skills, and are less likely to be bullied than those following the traditional elementary/middle school track.
• The K–8 model promotes community across grade levels because older students serve as role models and mentors for younger students. These cross-grade relationships are rewarding for both the younger and older students and build confidence and social skills. Rather than being “caught in the middle,” sixth/seventh/eighth grade students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a smaller community under the mentorship of nurturing teachers who have directly experienced students’ growth and maturity over time.
• The intimacy of the K–8 environment, and the delayed transition to a new school until students are more mature, result in increased success, responsibility, and happiness.