K-6 Advantage

Harding Practices Supported by Duke University Study

At a time when public schools have moved to a middle school model (as a result of financial influences), and most independent schools have followed suit, Harding has intentionally chosen to keep sixth grade part of the elementary school, because we think these students benefit from one more year of childhood culture. As the oldest students in the building, they get to develop leadership skills, and benefit from developing close relationships with specific teachers. It was great to have our observations supported by a recent study from Duke University. This study concludes that moving sixth graders to middle school leads not only to increased behavior problems but also to reduced academic performance, both in sixth grade and later on.

Sixth grade is an especially impressionable age, and we believe sixth graders need and deserve the special attention that they will receive with one more year of elementary school. Take a look at the study mentioned below, and contact our Admissions Office to visit either our Cordova or White Station elementary campus.

“Should Sixth Grade be in Elementary or Middle School? An Analysis of Grade Configuration and Student Behavior.”  Terry Stanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University, 9 Feb. 2007.

http://sanford.duke.edu/research/papers/SAN07-01.pdf